Seabreeze 2023

SANLORENZO PATH TO THE FUTURE | BLUEGAME DELIVERING THE UNEXPECTED FAIRLINE SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE | LAGOON FUTURE THINKING DESIGN

BENETEAU IN CONVERSATION WITH GIANGUIDO GIROTTI

AQUILA KEEPS EXPANDING IN ASIA | HIGHFIELD & WATER TOYS OCEAN PLAYGROUND

YACHT CHARTER BOOMS AS WORLD REOPENS | YACHT MANAGEMENT SEES CONSISTENT GROWTH FIND YOUR SUPERYACHT WITH SIMPSON MARINE

VIEW FROM THE HELM

Dear Readers,

Welcome to this latest edition of Seabreeze, where we celebrate many happy moments at sea, as well as important values such as sustainability.

You will see sustainability mentioned many times in this magazine. It is something we feel passionately about across the board at Simpson Marine, and it is an important, and absolutely crucial, driver in the yachting industry today. Indeed, at the time of writing there have been many important announcements made at the recent Cannes Yachting Festival, held in early September 2022 on the beautiful French Riviera, that show how shipyards are prioritising sustainability in their operations. You can read about these exciting initiatives in our Sustainability feature on page 96.

The positive steps being taken by all our brands to champion sustainability fill me with hope and give me the impression that the world is heading in the right direction to make positive change. We all must come together to preserve our beautiful planet and oceans. The shipyards are building us beautiful “cleaner” yachts and are strongly committed to reducing their environmental impact.

From Simpson Marine’s side, we are doing all we can including stopping the use of any single-use products throughout the company. We are committed to playing our part and are always trying to do better. We have been proud to see so many yacht owners doing their part too.

Another focal point in this issue is an emphasis on the numerous shipyard innovations and exciting new models that have been announced for 2023. These inspiring developments are steering yacht ownership towards a more user friendly and seamless experience with many smart technologies on board allowing boaters to maximise their fun at sea.

Over the past year we have welcomed a significant number of firsttime boat owners, and it has been a pleasure to see so many people exploring their coastal waters close to their home. I personally enjoyed sailing almost every weekend on my own Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 FREEDOM among many beautiful islands in Hong Kong. Record charter numbers, and a growing fleet of yachts in Asia, show how this trend for yachting continues to flourish. We hope the pages of Seabreeze convey the joy of spending time on the water, and inspire those who haven’t yet taken the plunge into yacht ownership or charter to consider doing so.

Human connections are also so important – now more than ever we appreciate the value of in-person meetings. With travel restrictions lessening, our team has been happy to be able to get out and about at shows around the globe. This is such an important way for us to engage with you, our customers, and we relish these moments. So too, we greatly enjoy local events and regattas, such as the Beneteau Cup 2022, as an unbeatable way to share time and make memories on the water.

We were greatly saddened by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen on 8 September 2022. She was an inspiring and tireless leader, whose devotion to service was unmatched. Like us, she had a lifelong affinity with the sea, with the Queen describing the former royal yacht Britannia as “the one place where I can truly relax.” Her passing is the end of an era. But relaxing on a yacht can still be enjoyed by all you happy yacht owners.

I wish you a happy year ahead, full of beautiful, meaningful, and sustainable moments at sea.

Mike Simpson

WHO WE ARE Yachting Freedom

Simpson Marine was established in 1984 in Hong Kong by Mike Simpson as a yacht sales and charter company focused on meeting the needs of the developing marine industry in Asia. By the end of the 1980s the company had been appointed as regional distributor for several leading yacht brands, and had recruited an expanding team of sales and after sales service professionals around the region.

Over the past 38 years, Simpson Marine has grown, with offices and service points in seven countries and over 3000 completed yacht sales around Asia. Recognised as Asia’s leading new yacht sales, brokerage and service company,

our portfolio of yacht brands and services has been carefully selected to offer customers a comprehensive choice of yachts, backed by professional advice and support through our interconnected network of offices across the region.

Simpson Marine now represents some of the world’s leading sailing and motor yacht brands, and has a reputation for delivering exceptional service and taking care of customers in all aspects of yacht purchase and ownership. As well as Yacht Sales and Service, Simpson Marine offers Yacht Charter and Yacht Management. A true one stop shop for yachting around Asia and the world.

OUR VISION

To share our passion for yachting and the yachting lifestyle throughout Asia.

OUR MISSION

To be Asia’s leading yacht company in partnership with the world’s leading yacht brands.

1984

2000

Asia’s leading new yacht sales, brokerage and service company since 1984

12 offices and 10 service points across the region

INDIAN OCEAN

CHINA

Shanghai Penghu

Sanya Kaohsiung

PHILIPPINES (Coming soon)

PACIFIC OCEAN

VIETNAM (Coming soon)

MALAYSIA

Port Dickson SINGAPORE

INDONESIA

Bali

Hong Kong

Pattaya

Phuket

Jakarta

Shenzhen

Tokyo

THAILAND

JAPAN

OUR BRANDS

Known for outstanding ‘made to measure’ Italian design, Sanlorenzo is globally recognised as one of the leading shipyards in the world. Each yacht is designed and produced according to the specific requests, style, and desires of the individual owner to create a truly unique yacht. Sanlorenzo offers a full range of production yachts from 76 to 138 feet in composite, and custom built steel and aluminium superyachts from 40m up to 80m+. Sanlorenzo is the shipyard of choice for uncompromising yachtsmen and women, where you come to craft your own innovative yacht and have it built to stand the tests of time and of the sea.

62Steel

A new way of living on the sea. A new allure. A new style of navigation that puts the precious bond between man and the sea at centre stage, thanks to innovation, sustainability and authenticity, combined with a precise entrepreneurial vision. These are the values of Bluegame, a brand with unique yachts from 42 to 75 feet, that has transformed the market with its original mix of different characteristics and unprecedented layouts.

With a history spanning over 50 years, UK-based Fairline Yachts has an international reputation for its award-winning range of yachts, comprising the new express-cruiser F//LINE, the modern and performance motor cruiser Targa line (40-65’), and the luxury flybridge Squadron line (50-68’). Founded on the values of British craftsmanship, Fairline encompasses power, performance and comfort. Bringing fresh ideas to respected classics, a longstanding collaboration with Italian yacht designer Alberto Mancini combines contemporary style with a rich heritage.

BG54

Phantom 65

BGX60

F//LINE 33

Avant-garde in yachting, Beneteau yachts are suited for ocean crossings, spirited racing and relaxed family cruising in comfort. With stylish sailing yachts models ranging from 14 to 60 feet, there is a Beneteau yacht for every sail plan and occasion.

With over 130 years of experience Beneteau Group is the number one yacht builder in the world with Beneteau Sail and Beneteau Power offering a comprehensive range of yachts for boaters of all levels and experience. Beneteau Sail comprises the Oceanis and First ranges and One Design Figaro 3, while Beneteau Power includes the Flyer, Antares, Gran Turismo and Swift Trawler ranges.

As the world’s number one catamaran builder Lagoon has been leading the market for the past 38 years, offering innovative, luxurious, comfortable and sailor-friendly catamaran yachts ranging from 40 to 78 feet. Since 1984, Lagoon has built more than 6000 catamarans. Thanks to its timeless designs, constant innovations, focus on sustainability in the construction process and finishing materials, and technical choices supporting performing, reliable and safe catamarans, Lagoon is the unquestionable world leader in luxury cruising catamarans.

Gran Turismo 45

Lagoon 51

First 44

Lagoon SIXTY 7

Headquartered in Florida, USA, Aquila Yachts are recognised globally for building high-quality vessels, using advanced composite manufacturing capabilities in a state-of-the-art facility. With one of the most talented teams in the industry providing a wealth of combined knowledge and extensive experience, Aquila has established a game changing new standard of innovative power catamarans, ranging from 28 to 70 feet. Uncompromising designs, unmatched industry expertise, clever engineering, and manufacturing by world class builders combine to make Aquila and their line of purebred power catamarans a market leader.

Highfield Boats is the world’s number one aluminium hulled rigid-inflatable boats (RIB) manufacturer with a complete line of 37 RIB models. Highfield now offers small tenders from 2.4m, all the way up to a full line of heavy duty RIBs that are at home on any ocean. As well as providing a great way to leave the mother boat and explore shallow waters or narrow coves, a luxury yacht tender can be enjoyable in its own right as the base point for many activities such as water-skiing, wakeboarding, and towing inflatable toys such as banana boats and donuts.

To complete your yacht fit-out and add to the on water fun, we provide an extensive choice of electric and non-electric water toys including RAVIK Awake boards, FLITE E-Foil boards, Sea Bobs, jet skis, floating mats, SUPs, Oliver James Lilos and more.

WATER TOYS

Highfield SP800

Ravik Awake

Aquila 32

Aquila 70

OUR SERVICES

Simpson Yacht Charter is a major division of Simpson Marine. With charter bases in Hong Kong, Singapore, Phuket, Pattaya and Langkawi, we offer a wide selection of yachts, inspiring itineraries and an expert team to guide you every step of the way. We can take care of every detail and are committed to delivering the highest standards of support, leaving you to fully relax and enjoy your yacht charter. Simpson Yacht Charter offers a selection of charter options including Bare Boat Yacht Charters, Crewed Yacht Charters, Superyacht Charter and Corporate Charters, and a varied fleet including motor yachts, sailing yachts and catamarans. Whatever your preference we have the yacht, charter structure and destination to match. We invite you to dip your toe in the water and experience first-hand our world-class service and the pleasure and adventure of yachting in Asia.

Simpson Marine’s specialist one-stop-shop luxury yacht management service looks after every aspect of yacht operations, providing expert advice to owners, captains and crew, controlling costs and minimising risks. This leaves owners free to enjoy their yachts without worry. We provide a tailored management service to suit each owner and their yacht, using our expert knowledge to deliver worldclass results. Owning a yacht is an incredible experience and we will go above and beyond to maximise your enjoyment and ownership journey.

Our dedicated Simpson Marine Service department takes care of any demands that may arise from yacht ownership, both before and after you take delivery of your yacht. Our team work directly with you, and your crew if relevant, to make sure you receive the yacht you expect. We also make sure that once delivered, your yacht is run efficiently and maintained to the highest standards.

With our unrivalled network of 10 service points across Asia, we are available to help you get the most out of your yacht no matter where you are cruising. We understand that purchasing a yacht is just the beginning of your on-water experience and we are here to make sure that you are fully supported with any after-sales servicing including seasonal checks, repairs, refits and spare part delivery. Our team delivers a friendly, bespoke service – no request is too big or too small – and has contacts in all local hubs.

WHAT’S ON IN HONG KONG

Three Sanlorenzo yachts anchored together in Deep Water Bay, Hong Kong, welcoming HSBC guests for an afternoon of relaxed engagement.

SANLORENZO ASIA AND QUINTESSENTIALLY HOST VIP YACHT SHOWCASE FOR HSBC GLOBAL PRIVATE BANKING

Simpson Marine and Sanlorenzo Asia hosted an exclusive event for HSBC Global Private Banking in Hong Kong. Curated by Quintessentially, the world’s leading lifestyle management company, the event showcased three beautiful Sanlorenzo yachts to their distinguished clients. The bank offers specialised trophy asset financing, created for high-value newbuild yachts and superyachts, making this an ideal collaboration.

Three Sanlorenzo yachts – the SX76, SL78 and SL118 – were rafted up in Deep Water Bay (DWB) to host these exclusive guests. Bespoke yacht tours were conducted by a team of brokers, in a relaxed picturesque setting over a selection of savoury delicacies, fine wines and champagnes. Guests were transported to the yachts by private VIP tenders from the pier in DWB and escorted back after their visit.

VIP welcome desk at Deep Water Bay pier

WHAT’S ON IN | HONG KONG

Yachts at anchor off Lamma Island

Sanlorenzo Asia Owners Rendezvous Creates Elite Experience in Hong Kong

A first in Asia, the Sanlorenzo Owners Rendezvous held in Hong Kong in November 2022 was a major success, welcoming many of the local Sanlorenzo and Bluegame yachts for a beautiful afternoon of exclusive experiences.

Held at a secluded anchorage off Lamma Island aboard a floating venue, the elite event offered an “Italian Garden at Sea” experience with a superb flower décor evoking Capri and the Amalfi Coast. Guests enjoyed a deluxe seafood lunch and a Bollinger champagne bar with live music and a relaxed and welcoming ambiance.

A special event highlight was the visit of the Hong Kong Ballet Master Luis Torres together with four lead dancers from “The Nutcracker”, the annual highlight performance in the Hong Kong Ballet repertoire, premiering for Christmas soon afterwards. The dancers included the Sugar Plum fairy, the Peacock, the Flower of Bauhinia and The Nutcracker Prince characters, and all of them were very much enjoyed by the children on board who were showcasing their own ballet skills and spent some happy moments together.

With a spectacular lush scenery and beautiful sunset finale, the Rendezvous is setting a new tradition for the Sanlorenzo owners in Hong Kong and will also take place in Thailand or Singapore for the local owners as well.

1. Lead dancers of “The Nutcracker” with Ballet Master Luis Torres

2. Illustrator Kelly Kwok live drawing guests at the event

HONG KONG’S SANLORENZO FLEET CONTINUES TO EXPAND

Hong Kong continues to welcome a growing number of Sanlorenzo models. The Sanlorenzo elite club in Hong Kong has now welcomed all the models from the yard’s innovative SX crossover range as the Sanlorenzo SX76, SX88 and SX112 have newly arrived into the city, joining their sister ships that are already based in town.

The SD126 model has also joined a diverse fleet of Sanlorenzo yachts and superyachts already based in Hong Kong, including her smaller sister in the SD range, the new model SD96 delivered into the city last year. Sanlorenzo’s new Asymmetric model –the SL90A is also now cruising around the territory’s numerous islands and bays. A new Sanlorenzo SL106 Asymmetric is another of many exciting arrivals due this year. Sanlorenzo’s popularity in Hong Kong is continually on the rise.

SD126

SX112

SL90A

SX88

Sanlorenzo

Celebrated in Festive Illustrations

Sanlorenzo has a long and notable association with the world of art. To extend its mission to support creativity and contemporary art locally, we created a series of heart-warming Sanlorenzo postcards, developed by Hong Kong illustrator Kelly Kwok, celebrating Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Chinese New Year. Featuring the SD118, SX112 and SL120A models, these were the perfect artistic memento to mark these important dates.

HKB is internationally recognised as a world-class institution which represents Hong Kong’s unique character. Since its inception in 1979, HKB has evolved into a vibrant performing arts organisation with a dynamic repertoire, forward-thinking community engagement initiatives, and an emphasis on excellence.

As a corporate patron, Simpson Marine enjoys a series of entitlements that will benefit our customers including VIP tickets to selected shows and premieres and private, intimate interactions with the Creative Director, Septime Webre, and dancers on specific occasions.

Simpson Marine Becomes Corporate Patron of

Simpson Marine is delighted to have become a Corporate Patron of Hong Kong Ballet (HKB), Asia’s premier ballet company, and a member of the prestigious Club Hong Kong Ballet. This is part of our ongoing commitment to support and engage with local communities and arts.

Simpson Marine Lounge at IMXHK 2022

Concept cars on display in the centre of the show

SIMPSON MARINE PRESENTS YACHTING LOUNGE AT IMXHK

Hosted at AsiaWorld-Expo, the five-day International MotorXpo Hong Kong (IMXHK) successfully marked the revival of Hong Kong’s new normal trade and economic activities.

IMXHK exhibited more than 150 world-renowned luxury cars and motorcycles from brands including McLaren, Porsche, Land Rover, Tesla, Bentley, Audi, Mini, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Harley Davidson, and Ducati, with the event attracting an overwhelming 35,000 visitors and a significant number of press and influencers.

Simpson Marine joined the event with a dedicated lifestyle lounge designed around the concept of Yachting Freedom. This lounge aimed to create a warm and cosy space resembling the comfortable and welcoming atmosphere on a yacht to inspire our attending guests with the possibilities of life at sea. Guests enjoyed spending time in the lounge and learning more about yachting.

MAKES ITS ASIA PREMIERE IN HONG KONG

The flagship of the Beneteau Power range, the Grand Trawler 62, celebrated its Asia Premiere in Club Marina Cove, Hong Kong, from 2628 May. The Beneteau Grand Trawler 62 is designed for long-distance cruising, with an impressive autonomy of 1050 nautical miles. Her elegant yet functional layout includes generous spaces and above all the design inspires the feeling of simply wanting to “get away from it all” and enjoy freedom at sea. At her debut guests were highly impressed with this luxurious, yet practical, passagemaker.

At this Beneteau Power Days event, guests were able to discover the Beneteau Grand Trawler 62 for themselves and see other brand new and successful models from Beneteau yachts and motorboats that are available in Hong Kong. These included the Swift Trawler 44, Gran Turismo 41, Antares 11, and Flyer 9, together with a selection of Highfield tenders.

Fleet of Beneteau motoryachts at Club Marina Cove, Sai Kung, available for viewings

Grand Trawler 62 Saloon

BENETEAU GRAND TRAWLER 62

YACHTING SOIREE BRINGS GUESTS TOGETHER FOR A FRENCH-THEMED NIGHT

Having recently arrived in Hong Kong, making its Asia Premiere, the Beneteau Grand Trawler 62 celebrated its first official cruise mid-September at a Yachting Soiree that gathered together our media friends and partners for a French-inspired sunset cruise through Victoria Harbour.

The yacht showcased colourful iconic pop art pieces by French artists YAZ and Ceet FOUAD, curated by Amanda Wei Gallery (AWG), a long term art partner of Simpson Marine.

Media and partners enjoy a creative pop art workshop with French artist Ceet FOUAD on board the Grand Trawler 62

LAGOON 55 PREMIERES IN ASIA

We were delighted to host the Asia premiere of the spectacular sailing catamaran Lagoon 55 at a private showcase in Hong Kong in the relaxed setting of the Aberdeen Boat Club on Middle Island.

One of our most popular and much loved brands, Lagoon is the French leader in catamaran design and production and always draws a lot of attention from our owners and clients. Many of them came to see us in Middle Island on 20 October to discover this beautiful yacht, which was presented together with another popular model Lagoon 46, for themselves.

After the preview, the yacht sailed away to Southern China where she is currently based.

Following this Lagoon 55 arrival, we have welcomed another unit of the Lagoon 55 in Singapore for her South-East Asia premiere.

Lagoon 55 at ABC Middle Island showcasing her stunning “Terrace at Sea” layout and bringing the best of Lagoon’s French joie-de-vivre to Hong Kong

LAGOON’S FLAGSHIP SEVENTY 8, ARRIVES IN HONG KONG

One of many notable recent yacht deliveries in Hong Kong was the Lagoon SEVENTY 8 that arrived in early November 2022 and caused quite a stir in the city. Joining many other Lagoons in town, including her smaller sister the SIXTY 5, the Lagoon SEVENTY 8 is a true floating sanctuary. With over 24 metres of length and an impressive beam of 11 metres she offers an incomparable amount of living space, delivering true luxury. The yacht features a timeless, elegant silhouette where luxury and comfort are king. Designed by the great names of naval architecture (VPLP, Patrick le Quement and Nauta Design), the majestic SEVENTY 8 is a masterpiece.

Welcome to Hong Kong SEVENTY 8!

An impressive sight, the flagship Lagoon SEVENTY 8 arrives in Hong Kong and pictured here being commissioned for the handover.

2022

Supported by

BENETEAU CUP HONG KONG 2022

SUPPORTED BY AON, HAILED A GREAT SUCCESS

The second edition of the Beneteau Cup Hong Kong, supported by AON, has been hailed a great success with 17 yachts in attendance. Building on the popular inaugural edition in 2021, this year’s event was expanded to include a packed social calendar to complement the enjoyable racing on the water.

Held from 29-30 October, the two-day event was organised by Simpson Marine in conjunction with Beneteau Asia-Pacific, with the support of

Aberdeen Boat Club (ABC). The Beneteau Cup Hong Kong has quickly become a highlight of the year for Beneteau owners in the city.

The event’s busy programme included island racing on the first day, a gala dinner with the theme of Pirates of the Caribbean to celebrate Halloween, attractive prizes and awards. A pursuit race on the second day, and an epic farewell sunset party in The Bay Restaurant in Mo Tat Wan on Lamma Island completed the event.

“It was a delight to take part in the Beneteau Cup last weekend. It not only brought together a number of our Beneteau owners from around Hong Kong but was also a great chance for many of the Simpson team to get out on the water and join the fun. Congratulations to the winners and a big thank you to Beneteau, AON and all our other sponsors for making the event

such a tremendous success. The Beneteau Cup is firmly on the yachting calendar and I even heard a number of comments from other sailors already asking about buying a Beneteau so they can join next year’s event and take part in the best sailing event in Hong Kong. I hope to see you all at the 2023 Beneteau Cup,” says Richard Allen, Group General Manager at Simpson Marine.

Fleet of Beneteau yachts at ABC Middle Island for an overnight stay after day one’s racing

Day one Island Race begins

For day one, awards in Division HKPN A went to ICHIBAN, a Beneteau First 405 helmed by Robert Cook (1st place), FOXZHEAD, a Beneteau First 31.7 captained by Tonny Chung (2nd place) – last year’s winner of the Beneteau Cup, and LEGENDE II, an Oceanis 51.1 of Pascal Martin (3rd place).

Division HKPN B prizes were awarded to EASY BREEZY II, a First 41s5 of Alfred Lau/Castor Kong (1st place), FIVE O ONE, an Oceanis 43 helmed by John Berry (2nd place) and CORAL HARBOUR, an Oceanis 40 of Ming Lou (3rd place).

Day two awards went to EASY BREEZY II, a First 41s5 helmed by Alfred Lau and Castor Kong, CORAL HARBOUR, an Oceanis 40 of Ming Lou, ARETE, a Sense 46 of Jack Lynch, and LA FOLIA, an Oceanis 35.1 skippered by May Lau.

And the overall winner of the Beneteau Cup Hong Kong 2022 was EASY BREEZY II with Alfred Lau and Castor Kong. They were closely followed by ICHIBAN (2nd), CORAL HARBOUR (3rd) and FOXZHEAD (4th).

The success of the Beneteau Cup Hong Kong 2022 is unquestionably a mix of several factors: enthusiastic Beneteau owners and their teams, professional handling by the organising parties, spectacular weather and good winds, vibrant social events in scenic locations, and outstanding awards provided by the most renowned partners. These included AON (Title Sponsor), Peters and May and Sevenstar (Marine Partners), and Award Partners including Amore Pacific, CleanMax, Decathlon, Devialet, Farandole, Fortnum & Mason, Frette, Garmin, Lantau Yacht Club, L’Imperatrice, Mazu, Moonzen, Pocari Sweat, Pye, Oliver James, Raze, Rituals, Supergoop!, Toio and Tumi.

More on Beneteau Cup Hong Kong: beneteaucuphk.com

1. Team photo at Mo Tat Wan, after the Awards Ceremony. See you next year!

2. Day one Halloween Party with “Pirates of the Caribbean” theme

3. Crews and their families were happy to try out Decathlon’s sailing equipment on day two

4. Beneteau Cup Hong Kong 2022 Winners: Easy Breezy II of Alfred Lau and Castor Kong

5. Impressive water toys and sailing equipment set up by Decathlon

6. A fleet of 17 Beneteau sailing yachts at Mo Tat Wan, attending the Grand Finale Sunset Awards Party on day two

Simpson Marine Supports SPLASH RELAY SWIM with AQUILA 28 as assistance boat

Our Hong Kong team was happy to once again support SPLASH FOUNDATION, Hong Kong’s only charity that teaches underprivileged communities to swim and encourages empowerment through swimming.

On Tuesday 15 November starting at 3am in the Sai Wan Swimming Shed, the Water for Wellbeing charity relay swim around Hong Kong Island shone a light on the importance of physical and mental wellbeing. This record setting swim of a total 10 hours 55 minutes was the first all-women’s relay team of six extraordinary female swimmers to swim 45 km around Hong Kong island, captained by double Hong Kong Olympic swimmer Camille Cheng. The swim aimed to raise HK$888,000 for Splash and was largely achieved including the support of Simpson Marine. The funds raised will enable thousands more children and adults from low-income communities to learn to swim.

Aside of our funding support, Simpson Marine provided a support boat – an Aquila 28 Molokai, with the Simpson team assisting both the swimmers and the SPLASH team on the main pilot boat to ensure the smooth handling of the relay process and most importantly, the safety of all in the water. A big thanks to Richard, Ewa, Nick and Tom for their relay assistance.

WHAT’S ON IN CHINA SANYA MARKET THRIVES UNDER FREE TRADE PORT SCHEME

Hainan continues to grow as a centre for foreign finance and as a travel destination. China’s central government released a master plan on 1 June 2020, setting out policies to support the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP). The FTP plan has the aim of building Hainan Island, on the southern coast of China, into a globally significant free trade port by 2050. The government anticipates making Hainan a centre for foreign finance as well as a destination for Chinese shoppers, spreading out functions that had been largely concentrated in Hong Kong. The policy stimulates Hainan into a new yachting destination and creates a big draw for boat owners, removing many high-tax barriers that previously made yacht ownership and charter in the region prohibitive. Under this new scheme, we have already sold the first Lagoon 46 into Sanya, followed by several significant sales including two Sanlorenzo SX76s, with more to come.

Sanlorenzo SX76

Sanlorenzo SX76 Saloon

Lagoon 46

IMPRESSES AT SHENZHEN BAY BOAT SHOW

to enjoy afternoon refreshments on board and have a personal tour around the vessel.

During the show, Simpson Marine also collaborated with Roger Dubuis, renowned Swiss watch manufacturer, inviting their and our guests to bespoke intimate events including an evening cocktail event that allowed guests to discover a collection of Roger Dubuis watches presented on board the yacht.

At the Shenzhen Bay Boat Show, held from 2-5 May at the Shenzhen Bay Marina, our team proudly presented the popular sailing yacht Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54. Guests were invited

Oceanis Yacht 54 at Shenzhen Bay Marina

Roger Dubuis watch collection presented on board the yacht during the Shenzhen Bay Boat Show

WHAT’S

Teams

Shenzhen and Sanya partner with

Lagoon 46 and Lagoon 450 offering a sailing experience to Dior’s VIP guests at Sanya’s Dior Riviera activations

Simpson Marine’s Shenzhen team were thrilled to partner with Dior at their Fall 2022 Collection Launch Event, hosted in Shenzhen Bay Yacht Club from 2124 May.

Simpson Marine gave Dior guests an unforgettable introduction to the yachting lifestyle with the opportunity to step on board the Beneteau Oceanis 54. The combination of high-end fashion and yachting impressed visitors and brought an appealing yachting perspective to the event.

Clients enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere inside the club with a display of Dior’s unique fashion items. The line-up featured Dior’s latest trench coat with removable macrocannage vest and yellow plaid collection for chic ladies’ outings, together with their iconic Lady Dior and Book Tote.

After this collaboration in Shenzhen, we had the pleasure of working together in Sanya on a Dior Riviera activation. This involved creating a summer cruise pop-up organised by Dior in various worldwide locations including China’s tropical gateway Sanya where the fashion house established an impressive display in the exclusive setting of L’Edition hotel.

Dior invited their VIP customers from all over China for a ‘three days, two nights’ experience in Sanya crowning the summer pop-up. Simpson Marine’s Sanya team provided two new Lagoon catamarans for lifestyle activations in the programme, welcoming Dior clients on board the Lagoon 46 and Lagoon 450 models for a cruising day on the beautiful waters around Sanya.

Dior Riviera 2022 was inspired by the azure ocean and sunny summer days. The capsule collection was a reinvention of the House’s style fundamentals in a fluorescent colour palette of blue and orange.

More collaborations with Dior are to follow, stay tuned.

Oceanis Yacht 54 as part of the Dior Fall 2022 Collection Launch Event held at Shenzhen Bay Marina, offering yachting lifestyle experience to Dior guests Oceanis Yacht 54 - Cockpit dressed up by Dior

WHAT’S ON IN TAIWAN

Lagoon SIXTY 7 based in Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s biggest privately owned luxury catamaran

ARRIVES IN TAIWAN

We were pleased to welcome the Lagoon SIXTY 7 motoryacht into Kaohsiung, Taiwan, following her extended stay in Hong Kong over the summer. The Lagoon SIXTY 7 is a truly seaworthy and dependable catamaran, created for exploring and living on board in unmatched comfort. This particular model features superb exterior decks fitted with comfortable designer furniture, a seamless flow with open views over the ocean, and elegant interiors finished in walnut and cream upholstery.

A celebratory ceremony will soon take place with the owner at the official handover event. The owner of this Lagoon SIXTY 7 is set to explore Taiwan’s waters together with his other yachting friends on their own soon-to-be-delivered Beneteau yachts, making this quite a remarkable combined fleet.

ARRIVES IN TAIWAN, EXPANDING ASIA’S GROWING BLUEGAME FLEET

We are proud to be witnessing the impressive expansion of the Bluegame brand in Asia – this regional activity is in line with the fast global growth of the Bluegame brand. The Bluegame fleet in Asia continues to grow with the recent addition of the BG42 into Taiwan.

The BG42 is the entry gate to Bluegame’s range of Sport Utility yachts. At 12.98m (42’55”), this stunning vessel is packed with the same luxurious features as a larger yacht, such as multiple outdoor living spaces, uninterrupted ocean views, a sleek yet highly functional interior, and a swim platform/tender dock. Built with excellent seaworthiness and environmental credentials, this is the perfect entry level vessel and acts as an ideal introduction to the Bluegame brand. She will be greatly enjoyed in Taiwan’s waters.

Bluegame BG42 arrives in Kaohsiung

The open layout of the BG42 makes time on board enjoyable for groups of friends

TAIWAN TEAM JOINS SUPER LEISURE LIFESTYLE SHOW

Simpson Marine Taiwan attended the Super Leisure Lifestyle Show held at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center in late August. This lifestyle art festival combined modern and ancient art and brought together culture and other elements, while showcasing the marine leisure sector. The exhibits from the six countries were divided into seven themes, namely superyachts, ancient art, contemporary art, art jewellery, fine craftsmanship, exquisite home furnishing, and fine wine tasting. We joined the event with a dedicated lifestyle lounge designed around the concept of Yachting Freedom with a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

Simpson Marine Yachting Lounge welcoming visitors to discover more about yachting in Taiwan

SAILING REGATTAS THRIVE IN TAIWAN

THE SIMPSON MARINE TAIWAN TEAM HAS ALWAYS BEEN COMMITTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TAIWAN SAILING LIFESTYLE, AND SUBSEQUENTLY IS VERY ACTIVE IN THE LOCAL SAILING SCENE. IT IS ALWAYS GREAT TO SEE OUR CLIENTS OUT ON THE WATER AND ENJOYING THE YACHTING LIFESTYLE, WITH NUMEROUS RACES AND REGATTAS ENJOYED OVER THE PAST YEAR. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

TAIWAN SERIES RACE

Kicking off the year in style, on 1 January 2022, the first edition of the Simpson Marine Taiwan Series Race was held in the waters outside Anping Port, Tainan.

The Tainan Coastal Race was initiated by Simpson Marine, together with our yacht owners, a few years ago. A total of seven yachts joined the shore race and participating owners were able to enjoy spectacular views of Tainan Anping coast with good winds throughout the day.

The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 Happyours team and the Oceanis 60 Rose Sky team took first and second places respectively. Congratulations to all involved, it was a great way to start the year.

PENGHU REGATTA

The ninth edition of Taiwan’s most prominent regatta, Penghu Regatta, was held from 3-7 October 2021 in the Penghu Islands, Taiwan’s western archipelago. There were 132 participants and 20 boats taking part, including five Beneteau yachts presented by Simpson Marine owners. These were the OC38.1, OC45, OC60, F40 and the F45, and all enjoyed the thrill of racing.

SIMPSON MARINE HOSTS BENETEAU NIGHT FOR YACHT OWNERS

Several of our Beneteau yacht owners in Taiwan, who have raced together in more than 30 regattas since 2019, gathered at the 2022 Beneteau Night to celebrate their success and achievements in the past four years. The event was hosted by Simpson Marine’s Taiwan team and was a very memorable occasion for all who took part. It was a great chance to celebrate four years of spectacular sailing together in the Beneteau community in Taiwan.

Sailing is one of the Taiwanese’ favorite sporting activities, while Beneteau has firmly positioned itself to be a well-known and favorite sailboat brand among the community in Taiwan thanks to the state-of-the-art combination of performance, elegance, and comfort alongside quality of equipment.

With the opening of borders, and as pandemic restrictions lift, Simpson Marine looks forward to growing the sailing community, especially connecting sailors in different regions, and providing opportunities for people to embrace the sea.

WHAT’S ON IN SINGAPORE SOUTH-EAST ASIA

WELCOMES FIRST INTO SINGAPORE

South-East Asia’s first Bluegame BGX70 has arrived in Singapore. The BGX70 has been judged the ideal vessel for Singapore and her presence in the city was a great chance to conduct a series of private viewings and bespoke activities onboard.

The Simpson Marine team first welcomed key members of the media onboard the BGX70 for a private tour and a cruise experience to Marina Bay Sands. This allowed our media friends to enjoy first-hand the yacht’s impressive qualities.

On 14 and 15 February, we also had the opportunity to invite customers for private viewings on board – the two-day experience kept the team busy with many tours. The BGX70’s outstanding profile earned her the nickname of “Queen of the Marina” since her arrival attracted the attention of many onlookers and curious passers-by who were intrigued by her looks and overall appeal.

BGX70 cruising with the iconic Singapore skyline in the background.

Upper Saloon

Sea Lounge with Aft Platform

Master Bedroom

NOTABLE DELIVERIES INTO SINGAPORE, INCLUDING LAGOON 55, SANLORENZO SL86 & SX88

The Singapore team excitedly welcomed the arrival of several notable new yachts into the Lion City. The arrival of these models, adding to the already strong fleet in Singapore, clearly demonstrate that Singapore has significantly developed into a fast-growing ASEAN maritime and luxury lifestyle destination. The addition of new Lagoon 55, Sanlorenzo SL86 and SX88 models reflects the broad range of market-leading yachting brands now present in Singapore.

Sanlorenzo’s iconic crossover yacht, the SX88, made her way to Singapore’s ONE°15 Marina, where she berthed right in front of the Simpson Marine/Sanlorenzo Asia SEA flagship office where we regularly welcome customers to visit us and discuss their yachting projects.

Sanlorenzo SL86

Sanlorenzo SX88

Lagoon 55

SIMPSON YACHT CHARTER OPENS SINGAPORE CHARTER BASE

Singapore is one of the most exciting cities to charter a luxury yacht in South-East Asia and has become the superyacht hub of an increasingly popular Asia charter industry. Known for its cultural diversity and exceptional cuisine in the form of world-class restaurants and delicious street food, it fuses influences from China, India, and Malaysia with modern Western commerce. To support the expanding demand for charter in and around Singapore, we opened our yacht charter base in the Lion City in spring 2022. We have a spectacular fleet of over 40 yachts available to charter, and a team of professional brokers to help with crafting bespoke itineraries and handling requests. Contact us today for your private and corporate charters in Singapore.

WHAT’S ON IN THAILAND

THAILAND LAGOON ESCAPADE

T HE BEST ONE YET TAKES PLACE IN PHUKET

The 2022 Lagoon Escapade in Thailand, held from 14-16 October in Phuket was a massive success and saw a great turnout of Lagoon owners. The guests spent the weekend with us, enjoying a scenic cruise through the waters of Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Noi and Hong Island, and friendly socialising at two evening beach parties. The diverse fleet of 11 catamarans was made up of a Lagoon 620, Lagoon 560, two Lagoon 52Fs, Lagoon 450, Lagoon 421, three Lagoon 42s, two Lagoon 400s, a Lagoon 40 and a Lagoon 380.

Lagoon fleet anchoring off Koh Hong to enjoy fun times at sea

Guests enjoyed the two-day activity-full program including coastal cruising, water toys, team dinners and evening BBQs, a fire dance show and lots of experience sharing

POSITIVE THAILAND YACHT SHOW 2022 WITH TWO LAGOON 51 SOLD

Some two and a half years after the last edition, the Thailand Yacht Show was back at last on 9-12 June. Held in Pattaya for the first time the show was reportedly attended by 5000 visitors over its four days.

Simpson Marine proudly displayed the show’s largest showcase of nine yachts, including two Thailand premieres – the Fairline Squadron 68 and Aquila 28 Molokai – with no less than six yachts being available for immediate delivery, a rarity in these busy times. A true indication of the show’s success and positive energy was the two orders placed for the brand new model Lagoon 51, due for delivery in 2023.

A notable mention from the event was the official display of our newly launched Simpson Sailing Academy, with several guests enjoying a first-hand sailing experience with our certified instructors. We were happy to host our first trainees aboard a fleet of Beneteau First boats for a leisurely discovery sailing session.

Simpson Thailand team on a brand new Lagoon 46

Asia’s first Fairline Squadron 68 arrived just before the show

10-yacht display at Thailand Yacht Show 2022 (Pattaya)

SIMPSON MARINE PATTAYA EXPANDS, EXCITING TIMES AHEAD

Our Thailand team is expanding, and the Simpson Marine Pattaya arm is also growing. Our newly rebranded offices in Pattaya, at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, will allow clients to visit our brokerage team at the brand-new sales office. Meanwhile our new Sailing Academy and charter teams are located at their dedicated office positioned just opposite the main sales office.

Thailand is registering healthy and steady interest in both yacht purchases and charters. Marine tourism is coming back and our charter fleet of 15 exclusively managed Central Agency yachts (luxury catamarans, motor yachts and superyachts) is now operating at full capacity.

Simpson Marine’s newly launched Sailing Academy, located in Pattaya, plays an important role in growing the yachting lifestyle in Thailand. By helping people experience and learn about sailing, we can show both expat residents and local Thai’s what a fantastic lifestyle can be had with sailing.

With our growing teams, new offices, new services and numerous yachts and toys now available for delivery, we are confident that the busy start to 2023, carrying from a positive 2022, will continue for the coming year and beyond. We look forward to seeing more new yachts and superyachts arriving in Thailand soon, bringing joy and freedom to their owners and their friends.

Pattaya Sales Office, opposite the Charter and Saling Academy office

THAILAND TEAM DISPLAYS FLEET OF BOATS AT THAILAND INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

The Simpson Marine Thailand team concluded their final event of the year at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2022, where the team exhibited a fleet of boats and water toys at the Join Boat Platform booth. The event took place from 1 - 12 December at the IMPACT Challenger where the Simpson Marine, Simpson Yacht Charter, and Simpson Sailing Academy teams were on hand to discuss yacht sales, yacht management, yacht charters, as well as Sailing Academy courses for power and sailboats. On display were the Fairline F//LINE 33, the Beneteau First 18, and a Highfield Patrol 860 for show visitors to come on board to explore.

Yachting provides a safe sanctuary and a form of escapism to many, especially with the beautiful islands that make up the Thailand Archipelago. Because of this, Simpson Marine sees the importance of promoting the yachting lifestyle in Thailand. The team was delighted to meet many new and old friends at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2022, and we thank all who stopped by the lounge to spend time with us.

PHUKET CHARTER BOOKINGS BOOM

Thailand has recently reopened to fully vaccinated travellers from 63 countries and Simpson Yacht Charter has since received an influx of bookings and charter enquiries. This long-awaited news was the welcome prompt for many yachting enthusiasts to book their charter to explore the beautiful cruising grounds and rich culture that Thailand has to offer. Simpson Yacht Charter is delighted to have the region’s largest fleet of charter yachts available for selection, and we are pleased to see so many people visiting Thailand to enjoy memorable charters around Phuket’s stunning cruising grounds.

SIMPSON MARINE SAILING ACADEMY LAUNCHED

E MPOWERING THAILAND’S YOUTH

We are proud to report the official opening of Asia’s first Simpson Sailing Academy. After a lot of hard work from our team and contribution from the generous Thai businessman investing in the business, the Sailing Academy formally launched at the 2022 Thailand Yacht Show.

Based in Pattaya, Thailand, the Academy will play a significant part in Simpson Marine’s strategy to support grassroots sailing in Asia and foster the sport from a young age. Students aged between 12 and 18 will be welcomed to the academy where they will be able to participate in accredited sailing programmes and achieve globally recognised qualifications. Pattaya’s beautiful waters are the perfect playground for sailors, both new and experienced, to enjoy.

Simpson Sailing Academy office, Pattaya

The Academy has already been very well received. “Since the launch of Simpson Sailing Academy, it has been great to get on the water with people who have never been sailing before and to share my passion and love for the sport,” says Senior Instructor Blake Latta. “From September we will begin to have schools join us for instruction – I really look forward to that as it is great to see young people learn and progress and is very rewarding to see their improvements week after week.” Latta and the team behind the Academy are all extremely passionate about sharing sailing skills with as many people as possible.

The Academy has been approved to operate International Yacht Training (IYT) courses including the Dinghy Sailing Programme (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Levels) and Small Powerboat and RIB Master courses. The team has also developed in-house programmes for ‘Introduction to Dinghy Sailing’ and ‘Introduction to Keel Boats.’ With this variety of courses on offer, there is something for young sailors of all abilities. The instructor team is also able to deliver sailing lessons on board clients’ own vessels, as an easy way for owners who want to learn to sail their personal vessel.

A varied fleet, delivered by Simpson Marine, is available for students’ use, including five Beneteau First 14s, two Beneteau First 18s, one Beneteau First 27, one RIB AB F24 and one RIB AB F17. Beneteau has long been one of the world’s top sailing yacht brands and it is only natural for Simpson Marine to use only Beneteau sailing yachts at our Simpson Marine Sailing Academy.

“We look forward to seeing the Simpson Marine Sailing Academy go from strength to strength,” says Latta. “We have big ambitions and hope to share the joy of sailing with as many of Thailand’s young people as possible.”

Alfie Rowson, Sailing Academy Principal, Pattaya

WHAT’S ON IN MALAYSIA

NEW AQUILA 28 MOLOKAI UNVEILED AT A ROAD SHOW EVENT

Asia’s first Aquila 28 Molokai arrived in Malaysia to great acclaim where she celebrated her Asia launch at a road show in Port Dickson and Penang.

The highly anticipated Aquila 28 models have officially been revealed by Aquila, with the introduction of the new Molokai and Cuddy versions. Designed for fishing enthusiasts, the Aquila 28 is a power catamaran that ticks all the boxes in terms of functionality, practicality, seaworthiness, and massive storage ability.

The Aquila 28 Molokai’s safe ride, inspired by native Hawaiian watercraft, is born from the rigours of island hopping in the sometimes tumultuous waters of the Pacific, making this model suitable for almost any boating conditions. A truly versatile boat that amplifies the boating lifestyle.

Simpson Marine Malaysia team ready to welcome guests wishing to discover the Aquila 28 Molokai in Penang

Multiple guests went on board and sea trialled the Aquila 28 Molokai with some very proud of their catch of the day

Sanlorenzo SX100

Aft Lounge and Sea Terrace

Master Cabin

YACHTING IN INDONESIA KEEPS EXPANDING WITH ONGOING MAJOR SALES AND DELIVERIES

It has been an important year for our Indonesia team who were kept busy with major sales and deliveries. Charter has remained popular in this country of 17,800 islands, where regional cruising and exploration are at its very best – the stuff of dreams for many yacht owners!

2022 concluded with some major sales including Asia’s first Sanlorenzo SX100, a brand new model by Sanlorenzo that features all the best features of the flagship SX112 in a slightly smaller package. Another major sale was the Aquila 70 Luxury, due to arrive in early 2023 when it will enjoy some extensive cruising across the archipelago with a base in Bali.

A perfect country for exploring, Indonesia is very popular for catamarans and it comes as no surprise that we have helped owners to own some great catamarans this year including a pre-owned Lagoon 630 delivered to Indonesia from Madagascar and a stunning like-new Lagoon SIXTY 5 coming from France with its final destination in Australia.

Cruising Around Asia

SX112, Asia

SL86, Singapore SL78, Hong Kong

The Alloy, Asia

SL96 Asymmetric, Singapore

SL90 Asymmetric, Hong Kong

BGX70, Singapore

Cruising Around Asia

Fairline Squadron 68, Thailand

Beneteau Grand Trawler 62, Hong Kong

Fairline Squadron 68, Thailand

Lagoon 55, Hong Kong Aquila 28 Molokai, Thailand

Yachting Lifestyle with Simpson Marine

We welcomed two Hong Kong families on board the Beneteau Grand Trawler 62 to uncover her all lifestyle potential and the result is this beautiful, heartening, and inspiring photo shoot showcasing all the very best that this luxury long-distance cruiser has to offer.

#Yachtingfreedom

#Happytimes

#Togetherness Watch Video

OWN A CHARTER YACHT IN ASIA LET YOUR BOAT WORK FOR YOU

Owning a yacht is an incomparable experience that connects boat owners with the many pleasures of life on the water. But sadly, with the demands of work and real life, it is not possible to always be on your yacht. So why not consider putting your yacht to work when you are not on board? Opting for a charter-friendly vessel that can be chartered out when not in use is one of the best ways to maximise a yachting asset. With Simpson Yacht Charter’s dedicated Charter Management Programme and our expert charter team to assist, chartering your yacht couldn’t be easier. As well as delivering valuable income, being part of the Programme will also ensure that your yacht is always kept in top condition, leaving you to relax and enjoy the yachting lifestyle without any worries.

The Charter Management programme has many benefits including up to 12 weeks a year owner use, VIP concierge services, a professional maintenance scheme, management of charter paperwork and legalities, and high annual charter returns on year investment. Owners can choose their perfect vessel, tailored uniquely to them, from a range of market leading brands, with charter management options available for yachts of all sizes. The Simpson Charter Management team can work with you to either purchase a suitable charter vessel to place in the programme, or place your existing vessel in our charter programme.

For those considering investing in a charter vessel, catamarans are the most popular option with clients in Asia, thanks to their large volumes, shallow drafts and beautiful designs. The Simpson Charter Management Programme currently takes care of more than 15 beautiful Lagoon catamaran models as well as several motoryacht models. The Lagoon brand is an especially appealing choice, thanks to its wide range of yachts with charter-friendly layouts and amenities that suit all types of groups including families. Lagoon offer at Simpson Marine is very comprehensive and range from 40 to 78 ft - there truly is a model for everybody.

The Simpson charter fleet includes yachts all around Asia and the world. Some of the most successful charter yachts in the Simpson fleet include the beautiful Lagoon SEVENTY 7 JOY, which has chartered in destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, Caribbean, the Society Islands and French Polynesia. With new yachts regularly signing up to the Simpson Charter Management Programme, why not join them and invest in your own majestic charter yacht today? Your dream yachting lifestyle awaits you.

CHARTER BOOMS AS WORLD REOPENS

As the world reopens, and pandemic-related travel restrictions continue to be lifted, the charter market is booming. With increased freedom to cross borders, charter bookings for visitors to Asia are in high demand.

And the Simpson Yacht Charter division is more than equipped to meet this demand – with a huge charter fleet, our clients are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where and what to charter.

Charter Grows in Popularity

“There has been unprecedented increase in domestic charters,” says Nick Longstaff, Charter Sales Manager – Simpson Yacht Charter. “Traditionally Thai customers did not like chartering, but this has now become a huge market and this high season will likely be the busiest yachting season Phuket has ever had.” This trend has been seen around the globe with charter clients wanting to make the most of time with family and friends. “This summer the Mediterranean also saw a huge increase in charter activity, with all our yachts booked out from October 2022 to March 2023,” adds Longstaff.

Flourishing Fleet

During lockdown the Hong Kong fleet of yachts grew, as people looked for ways to enjoy their city, and this trend continues with a varied fleet of day and overnight charter yachts on offer. Thailand is a particularly popular charter destination, that is going from strength to strength, and Simpson Marine has the biggest charter fleet in the country, with yachts of all sizes, from day boats to superyachts. “Our fleet counts 15 Central Agency listings, including Lagoon 46s, Lagoon 620s and a Sanlorenzo 118, and close to 200 additional non-CA yachts on offer,” says Longstaff. “Lagoon models, including the Lagoon 42 Cloud Dancer, Lagoon 52F Blue Moon, and the Lagoon 620 JYOHANA, and the Azimut 55 Evolution After 8 are popular choices for family cruising. Our most booked bigger boats include 30m Bilgin MIA KAI, 31m Astondoa 102, and 34m Moonen Xanadu of London – these are all really versatile boats that are great for creating memories on the water.”

Superyachts in High Demand

As charter grows in popularity, so too does demand for the very best boats. The Simpson superyacht fleet in Thailand currently numbers around 10, and this is only set to grow. “Charter superyachts are now more sought after than ever, and high-end superyachts are getting busier and busier with charters around Asia, which is a great sign for the future,” says Longstaff. The launch of a new Thai superyacht charter licence in 2021, that meant superyachts over 100’ were able to charter in Thailand and only pay 7% tax on charter income, has been a huge boost for superyacht charter in the country. “We have already had three 30m+ yachts approved for the licence, and we are in the process of obtaining a licence for a beautiful Sanlorenzo SL118,” says Longstaff.

Favourite Destinations

Wherever you go in Asia, and around the world, a beautiful cruising ground is guaranteed to be found. The Simpson Charter fleet has boats located in all key destinations, including South-East Asia, the South Pacific, Mediterranean, and even the South Pole. Popular destinations include Hong Kong, and the surrounding islands, for a great blend of cosmopolitan life and natural beauty. Thailand is a quintessential charter destination, particularly around Phuket, thanks to its paradisical offering, and Pattaya has also experienced a particular rise in charter in recent years. Singapore is also another popular choice for easy cruising close to the city. Wherever you wish to go, our team can help craft a bespoke itinerary that takes in the best of your chosen destination. Your charter adventure awaits.

Sanlorenzo SL78 in Hong Kong

SIMPSON YACHT MANAGEMENT SEES CONTINUOUS GROWTH

The past few years has seen a significant rise in owners choosing to take advantage of Simpson Marine’s Yacht Management division. Since the pandemic began, people are now more focused than ever on making the most of special time with family and friends. Time is precious and for this reason more and more owners are looking to free up their own time by handing over the responsibility of the management of their yacht to Simpson Marine.

“Owning a yacht is an incredible experience, but to properly look after your yachting asset the day-to-day requirements of yacht ownership do require time, effort, experience and resources,” says May Choi, Simpson Yacht Management Operations Manager.

“That’s where we come in to make the ownership experience easy and worry-free. We take responsibility for the management for the yacht , meaning owners can simply relax and enjoy their time on the water.”

The Yacht Management team is highly skilled, with a broad range of experience, meaning every boat in the programme is in the best of hands. “Our management team is composed of highly trained and qualified individuals who can aid and guide yacht owners and captains to guarantee that the boat is properly maintained, administered, and operated,” says Choi. “We look after boats all around Asia, delivering a comprehensive service to suit the needs of every owner.”

Currently counting five members including Operations Manager, Technical Manager, Fleet Captain and Yacht Management Administrators, the Simpson Marine Yacht Management team has implemented major upgrades in 2022 by introducing two new software systems that help to manage their growing fleet in a more efficient way. VOLY is an accounting system for Yacht Management that is globally recognised as one of most comprehensive and professional ones to manage yacht expenses and get them approved by the yacht owner in a clear and easy manner. MANAGE MY VESSEL (MMV) is a professional technical support software for the yachts that is a great tool for captains and our Yacht Management Technical Manager to oversee the technical condition of the yacht and quickly follow up any arising issues. Currently all of our Yacht Management yachts are using VOLY system and we expect to see all of them enrolled into MMV system in 2023.

The team works with owners to create a bespoke plan for looking after their vessel. “We tailor our services to meet the requirements of each individual yacht owner,” says Choi. “Our yacht management team handles everything from catering for parties to planning cruising itineraries, as well as the financial costs of boat maintenance and other living expenditures.”

The comprehensive service offering from the Yacht Management team includes:

Accounting and budget management

Charter management

Compliance and regulatory support

Concierge service

Crew management

Insurance advice and paperwork

Operations and logistics

Safety management

Technical support

If the idea of worry-free yachting appeals to you, talk to us today about our Management offering. We are here to help you enjoy your Yachting Freedom to the maximum.

WHY IT MAKES SENSE TO USE SIMPSON MARINE TO SELL YOUR YACHT

When the time comes to sell your yacht, choosing the right partner to assist you with this process is an important decision to make. A good yacht broker can remove all the stress from the sales process and will help you secure the best possible sale price for your asset. At Simpson Marine you can trust that our expert team of brokers will look after your best interests from start to finish.

TRUSTED EXPERTS

You may already have a yacht broker you have worked with before. If not we would be happy to assist you to find the right broker to work with. We understand that this is a relationship of trust and appreciate the importance of partnership. Our team has extensive combined experience, and many of our brokers have spent their entire career working in yachting. Their knowledge is unrivalled.

BROAD NETWORK

Our wide network of offices all around Asia means that you are in good hands wherever you and your yacht are based. Simpson Marine has an extensive black book of potential buyers, a database of more than 30,000 buyers, and a deep understanding of the local market. We will work with you to develop a targeted marketing campaign to be sure your yacht is highly visible to target buyers, and looking its best in order to achieve a great sale price.

LET US TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING

We can advise on anything that might need to be done to your vessel to have it in peak condition for sale. Your yacht broker will also assist with every element of the sale process, including valuation, viewings, buyer sea trials, organising the legalities and more. You can relax knowing that everything is taken care of. Our brokers have the full support of the entire Simpson Marine team around the region, making it easy to action anything required to support your yacht sale.

Contact us today to be connected with our friendly brokerage team –we are here to help in any way we can.

QUICK FACTS

Over 300 pre-owned yachts for sale around Asia; range 10m - 60m+

Over 100 yachts sold each year

25 professional brokers (all experienced boat owners and sailors)

Nearly 40 years of market experience

Aft Lounge and Sea Terrace

SX112/ BY TARA BERNERD DELIVERED INTO ASIA

A stunning Sanlorenzo SX112 recently delivered in Asia is Tara Bernerd & Partners’ latest yacht project. Tara Bernerd is the award-winning visionary residential design studio behind some of the world’s leading hotels, with clients including Four Seasons, Belmond and Rosewood. Based in London’s Belgravia, the internationally renowned designer is known for approachable luxury, a global sensibility, and interiors with a deep sense of place.

The clients’ brief was synonymous with their lifestyle demands, which entailed a mixture of ingredients from sporty to understated. Tara and the team were keen to move away from the more traditional highly polished woods, so synonymous with marine design, instead using wide smoked-oak flooring and joinery throughout. This was combined with a selection of beautiful stones to create a serene palette that morphed between areas with the introduction of woven cream leathers and linen wall finishes.

Sanlorenzo yachts are known for their sleek, contemporary sportiness and bespoke design. Taking inspiration from this approach, the interiors were designed to reflect this fresh outlook, with rich, bespoke finishes that display the exquisitely crafted joinery. Throughout the yacht spaces have been carefully considered, with a layering that brings a true feeling of warmth and understated, welcoming luxury. This is another spectacular bespoke Sanlorenzo yacht.

Saloon

Cockpit

Upper Saloon

FIND YOUR SUPERYACHT WITH SIMPSON MARINE

The Simpson Marine team is proud to have had a long history selling superyachts into Asia – there can be no finer way to enjoy the region’s beautiful waters and inimitable cruising grounds than on board your own superyacht. Over the years we have helped connect many owners with some of the world’s leading superyacht brands, including a range of spectacular Sanlorenzo models.

As part of our long-term commitment to the superyacht sector, we are proud to have recently launched our all-new Simpson Superyachts website – www.simpsonsuperyachts.com – as the definitive home for all things superyacht related in Asia. The new website is a sleek and informative resource on every aspect of superyacht ownership. We invite you to visit the website and learn more about the world of superyachts with Simpson Marine – our team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

There are many things to consider when purchasing a superyacht. Choosing to work with an experienced and trusted partner, like Simpson Marine, will pay dividends – the role of a specialist superyacht broker is invaluable and will make the entire purchase process seamless and enjoyable. This is especially true in Asia, where local knowledge of regulations, registrations, and cruising grounds is crucial – our team has extensive knowledge of everything superyacht related.

So where to start? First, consider how you plan to use a yacht. Are you interested in long range exploration, or do you prefer to be city based? How many guests will you host? What budget do you have in mind? What amenities – such as a swimming pool, tender garage, library, or beach club – do you imagine? Do you wish to buy new or purchase a pre-owned yacht? Chartering a yacht/s can also be a good way of narrowing down your wish list.

Once you are clear on what you are looking for, your Simpson Marine broker can then put together a longlist of suggested superyacht options – either new or second hand – that might be a good fit. Choosing a reputable yard and/or designer is a good way of futureproofing your yacht for resale and will help you be sure you are buying a quality vessel.

Before buying it’s also important to consider all the requirements of owning a superyacht. This can include hiring a professional crew, insurance, fuel, and operating costs, berthage, and a clear maintenance schedule and any associated costs. At Simpson Marine our specialist yacht management division can assist with all aspects of the day-to-day operations of your superyacht, leaving you to simply enjoy your floating home from home. We can tailor a management package to suit you and yacht, and our expert team is always on hand to provide advice and support.

Let us walk with you as you undertake the special experience of owning and enjoying your own superyacht.

Beach Club on 64Steel

AT YOUR SERVICE A WEEK WITH THE SERVICE TEAM

When it comes to an average week for the Simpson Marine service team, there is no such thing as an average week.

“There is never a day that is the same, which keeps things interesting,” says Yannick Lowe, Simpson Marine Singapore Regional Service Manager. “Service work can be challenging and sometimes unpredictable, but we always make it happen - we’re very positive and responsive.” Lowe works with a team of six colleagues, based out of ONE°15 Marina in Singapore, who specialise in yacht service work, and there are 10 Simpson Marine service points across Asia to ensure comprehensive service support throughout the region. Yannick talks us through a ‘typical week.’

YANNICK LOWE Service Manager, Singapore

Simpson Marine Hong Kong Service team

MONDAY

Throughout the year we work with Simpson Marine brokers to undertake commissioning work on yachts that have been newly sold. We generally have a good idea of when these boats will arrive, so we structure the rest of our work around this schedule. At the start of the week we’ll see what is on the books for the week. Right now we have five boats scheduled to arrive for commissioning, so we are extremely busy preparing for that!

I’ll touch base with the team and make sure we have everything in place to be able to get straight to work when the boats arrive, and we are in regular contact with the brokers so that everyone is clear on expectations.

TUESDAY

It’s another busy day for the service team. Commissioning work can vary, but today’s work list includes boat cleaning, testing onboard systems, and getting the warranty activated locally for a recent delivery.

WEDNESDAY

A really important part of our work is helping to look after the boats we have under our care via Simpson Marine’s Yacht Care programme. We always know exactly where all the boats are and we’re on top of what they need to be running properly. Today, we’re working through a bespoke checklist for a recent addition to the Yacht Care fleet; their requirements include technical checks, cleaning, and prep work for when the owner wants to take their boat out. Yacht Care exists to take the hassle and worry out of yacht ownership – it’s our job to keep the yacht in peak condition and ready to go.

THURSDAY

Throughout the week we’ll handle enquiries from people looking for yacht parts or service support – these come from Simpson Marine clients and anyone else who needs parts and/or assistance. If we don’t have parts in stock we’ll work to source them as fast as possible.

FRIDAY

No week goes by without some warranty work cropping up. Warranty work can be unpredictable as boats have issues whenever they feel like it, and never stick to a schedule, so we juggle this work around our other projects as it comes in. We’ll always do our best to take care of any warranty issues as quickly as we can.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Service support work never stops! If the worst happens, we’re on standby to help, no matter the day or time, and even on the weekend. You and your boat are always in the best hands with the Simpson Service team.

397 DAYS IN PRAISE OF THE SERVICE TEAM

There can be no greater boost than the kind words of happy clients. We were delighted to receive the following letter of thanks at the conclusion of one of our most challenging service projects ever. Over a year ago, a newly delivered Lagoon 50 catamaran was struck by lightning – our Singapore Service team worked tirelessly to restore her back to perfect condition ready for her owner to enjoy.

Good day gentlemen,

397 days was how long it took to repair and restore our brand new Lagoon 50 after a really crippling direct lightning strike.

The yacht was delivered to its happy owner in January 2021, and the owner enjoyed his brand spanking new yacht about four times. Sadly on 8 May 2021 she took a direct lightning strike to the mast and the stainless steel shaft of the wind indicator melted and flew off and landed on the dock. It was a huge strike and yachts within a 50 metre radius of us were also affected.

The lightning strike took out everything on the mast, the navigation instruments, both engines, the underwater lights, air con, batteries, all the fridges, lights, TV, HiFi… even the shower sump pump died. 90 per cent of everything running on DC (direct current) died.

During my handling of the insurance claim I found out these ‘fun facts’ about lightning strikes…

The typical voltage of a lightning strike is 300 million volts. The typical amperes of a lightning strike is 30,000 amps. The speed of a lightning strike is the speed of light.

In came the boys from Simpson Marine Service Department, Yannick, Saw, Sai and Zainal. We didn’t have a very smooth start, and it certainly wasn’t the best time to have repairs done as we were right in the middle of a pandemic. So many items were out of stock and some manufacturers could not even give a delivery date for parts. 1 month? 3 months? 6 months? 1 year? They simply didn’t know as components were not available or manufacturers production was shut down because of Covid-19.

Simpson Service team assists the owner of Lagoon 50 with thorough expertise and repair works following a serious lightning strike on the boat in May 2021

Yannick searched the entire world for parts, and slowly but surely parts started coming in and the repairs and restoration work began. Sai the electronics engineer fixed all the electronic parts, Saw the electrical engineer mended the electrical parts, and Zainal did the important job of overseeing the unstepping the mast and making sure that everything was 100% functional before the mast was restepped. Unstepping the mast was a massive and expensive job, we couldn’t afford to do it twice.

While all this was going on I had the owner eager to get back on the water and asking me, is the yacht ready? When can we go sailing? When will the repairs be completed? When? When? When?

In most companies everyone looks up to and recognises the top sales guy, the guy that sells the most expensive yachts, and he’s probably featured in the company magazine. The guys behind the scene, the service department are often just there in the shadows, working late into the night fixing something because the yacht is going to be handed over to the owner the next day and whatever is not working MUST BE FIXED.

Over these 397 days I’ve worked with the Singapore Service team, Yannick, Saw, Sai and Zainal, they have been truly amazing and I just wanted to write to you to tell you that one of your strongest assets at Simpson Marine is the Service Department.

Because of them, the Lagoon 50 sails again, she has been brought back to life.

Many thanks.

Skipper – Lagoon 50

CHINA’S YACHTING POTENTIAL UNFOLDS UNDER NEW FREE TRADE PORT POLICY

Simpson Marine has had a long presence in China – we are strongly committed to helping to grow the yachting community in China, as is our goal with all of Asia. To date, our many supportive initiatives have included our strategic partnership with the China Cup International Regatta (CCIR), supplying a fleet of yachts for the CCIR, and the opening of Simpson Marine offices in both Shenzhen and Shanghai. This has recently been followed by the opening of Simpson Marine’s Sanya office in Hainan.

The growth of the yachting community in China has faced many obstacles over the years including minimal boating infrastructure, lack of boating culture, and hugely restrictive regulations. A particular hurdle for Chinese owners was the extremely high import tax and duty of 38% on foreign import yachts. However, a hugely positive development came in 2017 with the announcement that Hainan would become a Free Trade Port (FTP), meaning that yachts meeting set criteria would be able to be imported into Hainan without any tax demands. This removes a huge financial barrier for potential owners. There have also been positive developments for yacht owners looking to visit Hainan, with FTP regulations now allowing yachts to visit for up to 183 days tax free.

Sanlorenzo SL118 visiting Sanya

The new FTP is already proving its worth, with 16 sales into Hainan facilitated by the Simpson Marine team since mid 2020. The first sale conducted by Simpson Marine, for a beautiful Lagoon 46 catamaran, came in June 2020, and subsequent sales have included two Sanlorenzo SX76s. “The recent sales of the Sanlorenzo SX76s are a clear sign of the success of the FTP scheme and its potential for generating growth in the yacht market,” says Mike Simpson, founder of Simpson Marine. “We are very encouraged by this activity and are optimistic of many more sales on the horizon.” In addition to these notable sales, the significant easing of regulations for visiting yachts have helped our team facilitate visits to China for yachts including a 45 metre Sanlorenzo and a Sanlorenzo 118. More good news also comes as the process for registering yachts intending to charter in Hainan has been significantly simplified, effective July 2022. Over the coming years the new rules will continue to be refined for the better, to allow even wider access for yacht imports and visitors into Hainan.

These positive developments all bode well for the future of yachting in Hainan – we are hugely encouraged by the number of yachts taking advantage of the FTP regulations and look forward to continuing to play our part in developing China’s yachting culture.

Sanlorenzo SX76 stationed in Sanya

Serenity Marina, Sanya

Several Lagoon 46s are now located in Sanya

POWERING INTO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Like us at Simpson Marine, all of our brands are adding a major focus on sustainability to their operations and are developing and delivering yachts that have a lighter footprint. We are particularly proud to see some of them leading the way with forward-thinking innovations and technologies centred around sustainability.

How yachts are powered and propelled is one way to have significant impact, and there has been a huge amount of research and development in this field in recent years with a number of exciting initiatives around alternative energies. Sanlorenzo has championed sustainability as a key element of its “Road to 2030” strategy and has made several alliances in the world of propulsion and energy, partnering with Siemens Energy, Rolls-Royce and MTU. At the recent Cannes Yachting Festival 2022, Sanlorenzo announced an agreement with Rolls-Royce to develop a methanol propulsion system, with a prototype to be installed on a Sanlorenzo build due for delivery in 2026. The agreement is with the brand’s business unit Power Systems and its product and solution brand MTU for the installation of the systems. This announcement comes hot on the heels of a partnership between Sanlorenzo and Siemens Energy announced in early 2022, which will see the brands collaborate on the integration of fuel cells powered by hydrogen from methanol to produce energy on board

yachts ranging from 24 to 80 metres. It will be fascinating to watch the development of this new technology and its usage on yachts.

Like its parent brand Sanlorenzo, Bluegame also has sustainability in its DNA. The yard has worked hard to keep this focus at the forefront of the construction and the design process. The yard’s new BGM75 model is a fantastic example of a yacht with a lighter impact – with reduced fuel consumption, a highly efficient hull form and lightweight construction materials, and use of solar panels, this is a yacht of the future. Bluegame is also working to design and build the hydrogen-powered chase boat for the American Magic team at the next America’s Cup. This will provide a valuable test programme for of these new and exciting technologies, and the BGM65HH (hydrogen-hybrid) model, to be launched in 2025, is the first Bluegame model that will accommodate this cutting-edge technology.

Sanlorenzo SP110

The entire Beneteau Group, including the Beneteau and Lagoon brands, is implementing sustainable production processes throughout their operations. The Group has developed five main pillars aiming to minimise their effects on the environment. These objectives include reducing the consumption of water and raw materials, which has already decreased by 20% in the past few years; reducing energy consumption by improving site strategy efficiency; reducing polluting emissions and limiting the impacts of transportation; ensuring effective control over waste generation; and cutting down food waste. In December 2022, Beneteau presented two e-sailing yachts with Oceanis 30.1e and First 44e showcasing sustainability in terms of the construction and propulsion systems using new Elium resin and innovative Torqeedo hybrid propulsion system. Many of the latest Lagoon models, such as the Lagoon 51, which is fully autonomous (except for air conditioning), thanks to the XXL solar panels on the roof providing more than 3,400 watts of power, are a tangible demonstration of the way these pillars are being applied to everything the brand does and this is an excellent indication of things to come.

Fairline has also expressed its commitment to becoming more environmentally friendly, and is investing in hybrid technology, with all new designs capable of being fitted with lithium-battery technology and hybrid-propulsion systems. Depending on the size of the yacht, Fairline also abides by regulations set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Aquila Power Catamarans are also backing new technologies – one example of this is the introduction of a foil system on their Aquila 36 model, which has reduced fuel consumption by an impressive 50% and increased cruising speed and stability. They also offer extensive solar panel options for their yachts, and hybrid engines are under development for new builds, one example of which is the new flagship coming to Asia, Aquila 70.

There is much activity to celebrate and inspire – we are truly powering into the future, and we are excited to see even more developments and positive changes for the better. You can read more detail about the sustainable activity of individual yards in the feature stories throughout the rest of the magazine. Keep sailing sustainably!

Beneteau Oceanis 30.1e

Aquila 36 with E-foils

Lagoon 51 with solar panelled sun roof

YACHTING FREEDOM

BY SIMPSON MARINE

We have welcomed a group of friends on a new charter yacht Lagoon 52 Eclipse to cruise around the scenic Phang Nga bay and enjoy the yachting lifestyle with us. It was a beautiful day full of sharing and laughter. Living yachting freedom at its best.

Book your charter in Thailand

COMMUNITY FOR CHANGE PLAYING OUR PART

At Simpson Marine we are more than just a business, we are a family and a community. Our team, customers and supporters are all part of this wider community, and we are passionate about playing our part and enacting change for good throughout Asia. As such, Simpson Marine operates a number of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including looking after our oceans, enacting sustainability initiatives across the company, and giving back to our local neighbourhoods.

We also support several worthy charities that are close to our heart. One of these is Sailability Hong Kong – a very special organisation in Hong Kong that offers the experience of sailing to people with disabilities and other life challenges. Whether aged seven or 70+, the charity believes that sailing increases self-confidence, independence, responsibility, and self-esteem, all whilst learning and having fun. In June 2022 Simpson Marine made a two-year commitment to support Sailability, which will help the charity continue its important mission of making sailing accessible to everyone.

Founded in 2009 by Kay Rawbone, together with her late husband Mike, Sailability has now reached over 6000 sailors, with more than 15,000 sailing sessions undertaken and a fleet of 32 boats. “I am so proud to have been a part of Sailability and to watch it grow – it was obviously something that was needed, and here we are today,” says Rawbone. “Growth has been amazing in so many ways; our fleet, our sailors and of course our donors and volunteers, without whom we couldn’t do what we do.”

Simpson Marine’s mission has always been to connect people with “Yachting Freedom” and in this respect Sailability is the perfect organisation for Simpson Marine to support. The charity recognises the freedom and unmatched sensation of being out on the water as something special that should be experienced by all. Sailing can quite literally be life changing. “Our work is seen by many as rehabilitation in many forms with boats that can support many of life’s challenges,” says Rawbone.

The support from Simpson Marine is a crucial part of helping Sailability continue its work. “Safety is paramount in all we do and the funding from Simpson was very well received – part of the funding will assist with the maintenance costs of our Hansa fleet so that they are safe to sail and seaworthy,” says Rawbone. “The additional funding will be used to offer additional sailing opportunities for high dependency children from local Special Schools.”

Over the years Rawbone and her team, 90% of whom are volunteers, have witnessed many special moments of people connecting with sailing. “For me every day and every moment is memorable, seeing people doing something they never thought possible and parents watching their children with a disability sail either with a buddy or by themselves,” says Rawbone. “It’s amazing to watch new friendships blossom and the increase seen in self-confidence, self-esteem, and communication, all whilst learning a new skill and having fun.”

Sailability will now continue to change lives via the world of sailing. “Through our work we are so proud to have broken down barriers and provided opportunities to everyone irrespective of ability, age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, social status etc, to come to sail,” says Rawbone. “We have made sailing accessible, inclusive, and affordable and we send a huge thank you to Simpson Marine and all who support us. At Sailability we don’t say no - we find a way to do it!” JOIN

Kay Rawbone, Founder and Committee Member of Sailability Hong Kong

SANLORENZO PATH TO THE FUTURE

Sanlorenzo is a brand that is world renowned for its forward-thinking way of designing and building boats. It looks to the future, while always honouring its long history and Italian heritage. The incredible growth and success of the Sanlorenzo brand is due greatly to the vision and direction of the company CEO Massimo Perotti. Seabreeze had the opportunity to interview Mr Perotti about his long-term “Road to 2030” plans for Sanlorenzo and the brand’s growing success in Asia.

Developing products to suit the desires of its discerning clients is something that Sanlorenzo prides itself on. As such, it is working hard to build the next generation of yachts, with exciting new models and innovations. One key driver in this work is sustainability. “In recent years, sustainability has become a primary issue for us in terms of both product development and business management,” says Perotti.

In pursuit of this goal, Sanlorenzo has made several partnerships and announcements around yacht propulsion, including an exclusive partnership with Siemens Energy to build a superyacht model with diesel-electric propulsion, and an agreement with Rolls-Royce to develop a methanol propulsion system [read more about these in the sustainability feature on page 96]. The brand is also investing heavily in its infrastructure and energy efficiency, with the use of solar panels at the Ameglia site being just one initiative in place to reduce emission of greenhouse gases.

The yachts themselves are a tangible demonstration of the yard’s focus. “Technology and sustainability are the main guiding principles of Sanlorenzo’s new decade, and this is embodied in the new models that represent the three pillars of this trend, for which we are making a considerable effort in technological investments,” says Perotti. “The first pillar is our SD90/s model, where the “S” stands for sustainability,

Massimo Perotti, CEO of Sanlorenzo

with 20% of the materials on board being recycled, low-consumption appliances, and double-chambered glass to prevent heat from entering so as to reduce the use of air conditioning. The second pillar is the BGM75, the Blue Game Multihull from Sanlorenzo Group brand Bluegame: it is a 75ft vessel but being a multihull, it has living spaces equivalent to a 90ft. Comparing fuel consumption at 18 knots for 300 hours of sailing, the multihull saves 175 tonnes of carbon and 66 thousand litres of diesel. Finally, the third pillar of our sustainability strategy is an absolute novelty – we are the first in the world to design and build a 50 metre superyacht that will have fuel cell hotellerie mode, that is the real goal for the recreational vessels of the future. We will see it in the water in the summer of 2024, while for a 100% carbon neutral superyacht the scheduled delivery is 2026.”

Sanlorenzo also continues its open-minded approach with initiatives such as partnerships in the world of art. “The relationship that Sanlorenzo has developed with the art world is a natural consequence of our philosophy, which has always been oriented towards expanding new horizons and taking on ever more interesting challenges,” says Perotti. “After opening our doors to design, we wanted to explore new creative languages that would narrate a different way of experiencing the sea, far removed from what had always been done before, and this choice was a winning one because it has allowed Sanlorenzo to express itself in a totally innovative way.”

The yard is also committed to delivering the highest levels of customer service, ensuring all Sanlorenzo clients receive an exemplary experience. “We have our “high-end services” department that provides a whole range of services to make the life of our owners easier,” explains Perotti. “As an example, this includes the “Sanlorenzo charter fleet”, the world’s first mono-brand charter company, and “Sanlorenzo Timeless” a specialised department dedicated to maintenance, refit and refurbishing so that the yachts of our customers may enjoy very special, dedicated and, most of all, expert care.”

It is no surprise that Sanlorenzo yachts have proved extremely popular in Asia, with Simpson Marine’s clients appreciating the timeless and tasteful designs, innovative technologies, and generous spaces on every Sanlorenzo yacht. “The APAC region currently accounts for 16% of our turnover, which has grown consistently over the last few years except for the pandemic-related slowdown, and it remains a promising market,” says Perotti. “In Greater China, in particular, we sell 12 to 14 yachts on average per year and the affluent clients particularly like the SX line: it is the most favoured because it allows the popular water toys used at sea to be easily carried on the yacht, thanks to the large stern platform.”

With the “Road to 2030” strategy well underway, the coming decade promises to be very exciting for Sanlorenzo indeed. We are proud to work alongside the Sanlorenzo team to continue to grow the brand in Asia and beyond.

Fleet of Sanlorenzo superyachts cruising together. From first: 62Steel, 52Steel, The Alloy

SD90/s

Saloon and balcony on SL106A

DELIVERING THE UNEXPECTED

Since the Bluegame brand was first revealed by the Sanlorenzo Group, it has delivered inspiring and unexpected designs that are perfectly tailored to meet the demands of the market. It is therefore no surprise that Bluegame has now revealed the allnew BGM75 – the first design in its new multihull range – that is sure to delight all Bluegame fans.

This new design was first revealed at Cannes Yachting Festival 2022 and embodies all the attractive features that make Bluegame yachts so universally popular including large spaces, seaworthiness, high quality, and easy manoeuvrability. The 22.7m model has been designed to combine the looks of a monohull with all the benefits of a catamaran. Built from carbon and other lightweight materials, it requires significantly less power than a monohull of equivalent volume, and boasts a futuristic profile.

Adding multihull designs to the Bluegame line up is something that has always been a part of the brand’s long-term plans. “When we planned the Bluegame strategy in 2018, we believed that developing a power multihull range should be a clear path to follow: this market had impressive margin of growth, it was untouched in terms of the real luxury players, it had an enormous margin for product development and, overall, the multihull itself could offer a fantastic sustainable platform,” says Luca Santella, Head of Product Strategy at Bluegame.

The new BGM range will be particularly suited to the Asian market, where multihulls are an extremely popular choice for cruising around the region. “The Asian market is one of our main targets for the BGM range and the support of Simpson Marine in this specific area will be really strategic,” says Santella. There is plenty for Simpson Marine clients to look forward to with the BGM designs. “We think that Simpson Marine clients will really enjoy the BGM75’s beauty, its revolutionary layout and its impressive performances.”

First multihull by Bluegame: BGM75

BGM75

For owners who value sustainability, the BGM line is a tangible demonstration of Bluegame’s commitment to sustainable yachting, with multihulls delivering efficient cruising, and Bluegame executing a number of strategies to reduce the footprint of their yachts. “Sustainability has been one of Bluegame’s main developing drivers and the BGM is a clear example of how much we have been working in this direction since its first design steps,” explains Santella. “Materials of construction, furniture, glasses, paintings and much more have been carefully chosen to be as sustainable as possible and, above all, the hull shape design and engine choices lead to an incredible result in terms of performance and low consumption of fuel.”

There is no doubt that the BGM line is a big, and tantalizing, development, but there is plenty more to talk about when it comes to Bluegame and innovation. “There are many new exciting projects coming up in the future of Bluegame, with the release of one or two new models per year from now to 2026,” says Santella. “But one of our most important projects is the new hydrogen chase boat we are building for the next America’s Cup challenger American Magic. This multihull will be a real

milestone in the pleasure boating market being a full hydrogen powered boat foiling up to 50 knots of max speed and being capable of almost 200 NM of range at 28 knots.” This innovative design and project will influence the entire Bluegame range, with customers set to benefit from the extensive research and design being invested into this forward-thinking boat. “It really will be a fantastic technical benchmark for Bluegame and will show the world how much Bluegame and Sanlorenzo believe in innovation, technical challenges and sustainability.”

Looking to the future, Bluegame’s ambitions are big. The team anticipates fast development in the technologies in the yachting sector, and plans for Bluegame to be at the forefront of this activity. “The next years will show an incredible and fast developing change in the pleasure yachting business, moving towards technical innovation, sustainability and research of new green sources of energy,” concludes Santella. “Our aim is to always keep being leader in this movement, and we look forward to taking our customers with us on this exciting journey.”

BGM75 Flybridge

BG54

Brand new project: Hydrogen chase boat for America’s Cup challenger American Magic

FAIRLINE’S SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE TRANSPORTS US FROM ENGLAND TO CANNES!

By Genavieve Alexander

In June, I was thrilled to finally make a trip to England, having worked with Simpson Marine in Hong Kong on launching the Squadron 50 as part of ‘Fairline – Riviera of the Orient’ – a celebration of west meets east.

Jumping aboard a train to Oundle, just one hour from London, I was greeted by Miles Moorhouse, Marketing Director, at the Fairline headquarters. This is where it all begun, back in 1963 with the first Fairline Cruiser, the F19 rolling off production just four years later. Here the company founder Jack Newington transformed a disused part of Oundle Marina in Northamptonshire into a boat-building workshop. How proud he would be today to know Fairline is shipped and enjoyed the world over.

Founded on British craftsmanship, built with passion and designed for carefree adventures for everyone that steps on board, I was keen to get to the heart of what makes a Fairline. Dive into the process, meet the craftsman and designers inventing and building yachts of legacy, and learn more about Fairline’s future endeavours in sustainability and technology.

Producing just 80 yachts a year, with ambitions to reach 90 by 2023, Fairline yachts are highly desirable and the upmost attention to every detail is held in high esteem by its savvy international audience. Fairline can now be accessed at brokers around the globe, Simpson Marine being its number one in Asia.

Representing Simpson Marine, as soon as I stepped into the factory I felt the pride and passion of those involved in producing over 20 models now in build. I got a sneak peek of the F//LINE 33 in build, getting close to the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each and every aspect of the yacht’s timeless design and performance, and caught a glimpse of the impressive build of Fairline’s Phantom 65, which debuted at Cannes Yachting Festival alongside several other impressive Fairline models.

Miles shared more with me about the Squadron 65 as we watched the final stages of the build in play. “This is Fairline’s first sportbridge yacht made for flexible entertaining and vast lounging spaces to soak up the sun, together with an abundance of interior dining and entertaining spaces as vacations at sea and hosting on board become ever more popular,” he said. I really got a sense of the family inclusive feel through their designs and unique owner experiences as I fondly remember back to an event hosted in 2017. “Fairline 50 brought together 50 Fairlines in Majorca to celebrate 50 years of Fairline – it was a majestic sight seeing them all moored around the quayside and the friendships made by the owners. We are looking to repeat this even to mark 75 years,” shared Miles. I am wondering too if Asia could host!

Squadron 68, Pattaya

We shared industry thoughts on current and future sustainability in yacht design. The R&D into more circular materials will certainly pave the way for more sustainability in design and technology and naturally this is a daily change and ongoing challenge on everyone’s minds. From the move towards more electric powered boats calling for more electric charging stations around the globe, to developing Hydrogen/Hybrid engine alternatives raising the issue of where to get hydrogen from…the challenge is very much ON.

To discover more on design I was then transported to the blue azure of Fairline’s design studio to talk to Fairline’s designer Andrew Pope on the features built to last. “This yacht has great livability throughout its interior and exterior and is based on the technical ability of one of Fairline’s best sellers the Targa 65. We have created a design signature such as the deck window which will stand strong and signal it’s a Fairline far out at sea. We have driven more crafted elements into our designs such as quilted maple wood and the detailing and softening of materials, using techniques such as leather stitching and 9 degree angles.” shared Andrew.

Andrew has been accelerating the future of yacht design for almost two decades. As he and his team prepare to wave off the Phantom 65 for Cannes we discuss Fairline’s devotion to continuing to design and develop timeless yachts for ultimate adventures at sea. “As with all our designs, they don’t follow fad or fashion rather they are classic and won’t tire. For me it’s about designing a timeless boat built to last, where everything has its reason to be there – we are devoted to the quality of every aspect and the finished product. A passion of mine when designing is to bring back the purity of line…to seamlessly flow and transition between interior and exterior,” shared Andrew.

Understanding the aspect of flow through design gave me a liberating sense of space, movement and rhythm, something I was first enchanted by when launching Fairlines in Hong Kong, a place where space and flow can feel distant. Now back in Hong Kong I certainly feel transported from the east to the west when on board a Fairline yacht, in a timeless spirit of adventure of my own.

Synchronising the volume of a Squadron, the Phantom 65 brings the streamlined proportions of a Targa, epitomising luxury, performance and space. Its exterior is based on the technical platform of the award-winning Targa 65 and features sleek lines and large expansive hull windows teamed with a glazed sunroof to bathe the interior in natural light. It also boasts a tender garage suitable for a Williams 345 SportJet and two engine options – twin Caterpillar C18-1150’s with 31-knot performance, or twin V12 Caterpillar C32-1622’s reaching in excess of 35 knots.

SM: One of the biggest news from Groupe Beneteau in recent years has been the revival of the popular FIRST line. What was the decision behind bringing back this legendary range and how has it been received?

GG: Accomplishing the rebirth of the FIRST line was something that was several years in the making. Put simply, the FIRST line is iconic – with FIRST we wanted to recreate the feeling of the pleasure of performance and of being on board fast but comfortable boats, but without compromising heavily on comfort to achieve that performance. We began with the FIRST 53 and then it made sense to derive a complete range. The 44 and the 36 are the natural consequence of that and we now have a complete offering, which is fantastic.

SM: What makes the FIRST line so special?

GG: When you go inside them you have the same comfort as bigger boats, with quality construction and high comfort levels, but then you also have incredible performance capabilities. This blend of elements is what defines FIRST designs. Each of the models is special in its own way. We have one owner who has a FIRST 53, and now he is going to buy a FIRST 36 as they are both great for different purposes. At their core FIRST designs are the perfect blend for owners who love the thrill of performance sailing but also want their family and friends to be able to enjoy the vessel – they are so versatile.

In Conversation with Gianguido Girotti

Groupe Beneteau is known for its world-leading innovations, popular designs, a drive to always improve its offering, and a growing focus on sustainability. Seabreeze had the opportunity to talk with Gianguido Girotti about all the latest activity at Beneteau.

Oceanis Yacht 60

Gianguido Girotti, Deputy CEO, Beneteau Group

Groupe Beneteau’s Deputy CEO and Chief Executive Officer of its Boat division

SM: How has the market responded to the FIRST relaunch?

GG: We’ve had extremely good feedback, right from the beginning with the FIRST 53. The market response proves this type of boat is what many owners are after. We’re very happy as there are not many other brands that can offer such a bouquet of products. I think one thing Covid-19 has taught us is the understanding that we only have one life and enjoying experiences like sailing are more important than ever. It’s now more about the experiences we share than the product itself.

SM: What innovations or trends are you seeing at Groupe Beneteau?

GG: There are different ways of looking at that question. There are evolutionary technologies, such as the introduction of catamarans, and I’m very interested to see how power catamarans develop and become more mainstream. Then there is the growing importance of sustainability, which is very important to us and influences all we do. One trend we are seeing is the importance of a yacht being a home from home and designing yachts that fit that brief is key. Foil assisted boats are another interesting development on many levels, including reduction of motion to help reduce seasickness, as well as increasing performance efficiencies. We are also focused a lot on connectivity and simplifying on board systems. We are always evolving and looking for ways to better serve our customers.

SM: You mentioned sustainability – what work are you doing in that field?

GG: We work to integrate sustainability into each and every element of a boat, from using natural upholstery materials to using recycled resin. We want to be leading the field for recycled resin and pushing the market to evolve. We also recently started a partnership with Torqeedo, who are market leaders in electric motors, and we are working actively with Volvo for hybrid solutions for our mid-range boats. It is clear that the next generation are very passionate about sustainability, and this will be a big drive for their buying decisions – they will really care about the values of a brand. We cannot sit and wait for others to act, it is our responsibility to make a difference. We like to do, not talk, and then we improve and evolve and respond to customer feedback. We are always trying to do better and have lots of exciting things in the works.

Flyer 8 SUNdeck

Grand Trawler 62

LAGOON FUTURE THINKING DESIGN

The Lagoon brand needs no introduction. As one of the world’s leading catamaran manufacturers, with over 6000 boats now launched, Lagoon models are a familiar sight around Asia where they are a hugely popular choice for enjoying the region’s waters. The yard offers a range of catamarans from 40 to 78 feet, with sailing models –the 40, 42, 46, 51, 55, SIXTY 5, and SEVENTY 5 – and two motoryacht models – SIXTY 7 and SEVENTY 8 – on offer.

The recent revival of Lagoon’s 50’ line – new LG51 and LG55 models – has proven extremely popular. The LG51 is a very social boat, with a huge flybridge that covers 80% of the roof – perfect for enjoying at sea and at anchor. Other features include a forward cockpit, large main saloon with 360º views, and extended transoms.

The LG51 is Lagoon’s most forward-thinking design yet. “It was created to meet the requirements of the newest generation of owners,” says Cathy Lam, Marketing Manager APAC for Beneteau Group. The yacht makes use of sustainable raw materials, including FSC-certified wood and upholstery made from recycled materials. XXL solar panels can feature on the roof of the Lagoon 51, supplying over 3,400 watts of energy to contribute to operating the yacht’s systems, and 100% ecological and biodegradable boat maintenance kits are also supplied with each vessel.

The LG55 is similarly spacious, pairing form and function to create a home from home. A spacious interior, with high end finishes, is complemented by easy access to the sea and an inviting flybridge, together with many other convivial spaces. She also features the latest technologies and equipment.

Lagoon 55

Lagoon is always innovating, and looking to the future and, as the LG51 shows, it is working hard to apply sustainability across the business. “Sustainability is one of the key focuses at Lagoon,” says Lam. “In recent years, we have taken a big steps forward to offer catamarans that are always more environmentally friendly.”

The yard’s R&D team are researching and innovating around construction methods to help Lagoon create even more sustainable yachts, with plans to replace fibreglass with hemp fibre, and use of vacuum infusion to create lower-impact superstructures and hulls. Other important avenues being explored are hybrid propulsion solutions, to allow Lagoon users to enjoy electric alternatives without any limits to how the use their yacht.

On top of all this Lagoon is investing in its facilities, which are being certified to high standards of quality, environmental management and energy performance – from 2023 the yard’s Bordeaux site will be officially certified, in recognition of these positive steps. The team is also supporting several initiatives that care for our beautiful planet and oceans, including partnering with Anima Mundi to create a database of plastic waste on the coasts, with the assistance of Lagoon owners.

In more ways than one, Lagoon is a future-thinking brand, with a love of the seas at its heart.

Lagoon 51

Lagoon 55

KEEPS EXPANDING IN ASIA

It has been 10 years since the launch of the Aquila brand, which is now world renowned for its quality power catamarans. There are a large number of Aquila boats cruising in Asia, and the brand continues to go from strength to strength in the region with the support of Simpson Marine. “In 2022 Aquila is celebrating 10 years since its launch, and five years of international distribution,” says Yvan Eymieu, Aquila Sales Manager International. “It has been an exciting ride, that is for certain, and we are pleased to see our presence in Asia continuing to grow.”

Aquila’s roots are in the USA, with 96 of its first 100 boats sold in Florida, but the local love for the brand quickly spread to other countries as Aquila expanded to areas including Australia, Asia, and then later Europe. “We very quickly chose to work with Simpson Marine in Asia, and we are extremely satisfied with this relationship,” says Eymieu. “The beauty of Simpson Marine is their capacity to sell the largest as well as the smallest boats. They have so many different talents which can

promote and support the brand, and it’s very rare to find a dealer who has that kind of comprehensive offering.”

Thanks to the partnership of Aquila and Simpson Marine, Asia is now home to every Aquila model. “Simpson Marine recently sold an Aquila 70 which is the first of this model sold outside the USA,” says Eymieu. “There are also many Aquila 54s around Asia, and Aquila 44s in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. The Aquila 36 has been highly successful in pretty much every country in Asia, and we are seeing a few 32s and 28s in Asia now too.” Eymieu believes that one of the reasons behind Aquila’s success in Asia is its wide offering of models. “All our models are suited to different parts of Asia, meaning there is something for everyone no matter where or how they plan to cruise. Again, Simpson Marine have a great presence all across Asia, so they do a great job of marketing our boats to the different audiences and cruising grounds.”

Fleet

After 10 successful years, Aquila has big ambitions to continue to grow and expand around the world. “We are proud to now be a leader in the power cat market and we are present in many segments such as luxury yachts (Aquila 70), cruising yachts (Aquila 44 and 54), sports boats (Aquila 32 and 36), and fishing boats (Aquila 28),” says Eymieu. “We will now develop more products in more segments, such as RIBS and tenders, and we are also working a lot with foils and other ways we can be more sustainable and reduce our impact. We look forward to seeing where the next decade takes us, with Simpson Marine by our side.”

Aquila 28 Molokai in Pattaya

Aquila 54, already cruising in Pattaya and Phuket

OCEAN PLAYGROUND

Anyone who has spent time on the water will know how much fun tenders and water toys can add to the overall experience. Dive beneath the waves, zoom behind a tender, lounge on inflatables, and make memories with your companions – toys and tenders will always bring something special to your yachting adventures.

It is now easier than ever to make your own custom selection of toys and tenders with Simpson Marine’s comprehensive shop for water toys and tenders. Here we take a look at some of our favourites – we guarantee they’ll make your time on the water extra special and full of fun.

KAYAKS & PADDLEBOARDS

Kayaking to shore from your yacht is the perfect way to visit some of Asia’s countless islands and atolls. A glass bottomed kayak will give you a particularly spectacular view of the watery world beneath you. You can choose from single or multi-person kayaks. Meanwhile, Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) are another great way to explore your cruising ground, and to get in some enjoyable exercise.

TOWABLES & INFLATABLES

A guaranteed hit with all ages, towables are an exhilarating way to enjoy Asia’s warm waters. Choose from towables big enough for all the family, or fast and zippy donuts. We also have plenty of other floaties, including magic carpets, designer Oliver James lilos, and inflatable pools for safe swimming for the littlest yachties. For the ultimate experience, why not consider an inflatable slide? Whatever you have in mind, we can source.

DIVING EQUIPMENT

Asia’s waters are renowned as some of the best in the world for diving. Whether you’re a seasoned diver, or you want the experience of snorkelling amongst abundant sealife, Simpson Marine has a full range of all the best diving and snorkelling gear.

AWAKE ELECTRIC SURFBOARD

Delivering an unforgettable experience, made in Sweden and manufactured in Ravik electric surboards make riding on the water simple and enjoyable. No need for full waves with an electric surfboard – Ravik electric surboards help you reach speeds of up to 50km per hour for a truly thrilling ride.

FLITE BOARD

Imagine flying through the air above the waves – a Flite Board can help make this dream a reality. Flite Board’s award-winning e-foil is an invigorating way to experience the ocean. Simpson Marine has a variety of models on offer, including the original Flite Board, Flite Board Pro and Flite Board Ultra, to suit everyone from beginners to pros.

SEABOBS

Seabobs have long been one of the most popular yachting toys, and for good reason – they are an unrivalled way to enjoy the water, allowing users to zoom on and under the waves. Simpson Marine has several easy-to-use models available including the sporty Seabob F5S, Seabob F5 and Seabob F5SR.

TENDERS

Tenders are an absolute must-have for enjoying the water. Perfect for a multitude of uses including coming to shore, towing inflatables, fishing, diving, or simply exploring your cruising ground, a tender is the perfect complement to your larger yacht. Simpson Marine has a number of quality brands on offer, including world-renowned Highfield Tenders.

TENDERS WATER TOYS

Give time to civilisation and life to time.

XINGHUAN & BENETEAU ANTARES 9

When naming their yacht, the owners of “Xinghuan,” a Beneteau Antares 9, were inspired by their favourite book, Liu Cixin’s renowned science fiction work “The Three-Body Problem”. The yacht is named to show their respect for this engaging work.

The Beneteau Antares 9, just like the spaceships in the “The ThreeBody Problem”, combine technology, emotion, and the courage to explore the unknown. With a small but sturdy hull and modern technology in key areas, the model is a comfortable and safe space, with an exquisite and streamlined body with a white hull. The outboard engine conveys the practicality and romance of France; the cabin cleverly uses every inch of space, with plenty of spaces that are generous and inviting. Perfect for exploring the unknown and venturing into civilisation like her spaceship namesake, she is a tribute to the love and creativity of human kind.

RONNY SUN & BENETEAU OCEANIS 48

What boat do you currently own?

I own a Oceanis 48/2012.

How did you come to buy your boat and why this one?

I was looking for a yacht and I had seen many boats and had participated in many voyages. Beneteau’s design was practical, the performance was excellent, and the exceptional maintenance easily attracted me.

Where is the boat based?

It is based in Penghu, Tainan.

How do you use your yacht?

When I first bought a boat, I was on the boat or on the dock almost every week because my wife, Kris, and I loved the sea.

Please share your favourite moment on your boat.

I love the feeling of being free and sharing life with friends while sailing.

Please share your most memorable trip/experience and why?

We were participating in the Simpson Northern Three Islands Regatta and experienced the first storm of my life, which was very exciting, and three ships lost expensive sails. Together, we weathered the storm to complete the race.

What is your favourite place on board?

I love watching the waves fade away from the back deck, while we are heeling.

Which Asian cruising destination do you recommend to your fellow yachtsmen to visit?

I highly recommend Japan’s Ishigaki Island.

What are your sailing plans for the next 2-3 years?

I am looking forward to exploring the Mediterranean and Caribbean. In fact I am preparing to travel to Europe for an L42 Mediterranean voyage.

Why did you join the yachting community and what attracted you to this lifestyle?

I love nature more when I surf, and I have been involved in sailing since I was a child living in Central America.

If you could change your boat for another in the future, what would be your next one be and why?

Sailboats are quiet, power boats are fast, and I feel like I need both, so I’ve just ordered an Antares 11. I’ve been researching this boat for a long time and the Antares 11FLY is perfect for me thanks to its space, style, and design.

Please share your experience of working with Simpson Marine?

Simpson Marine’s professionalism and service efficiency are very good, good team to work with!

LEGENDE II BENETEAU OCEANIS 51.1

What boat do you currently own?

I own a Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 in its First Line version, with a longer mast and deeper keel. We named it Legende II, as this is my second boat in Hong-Kong… a big upgrade from my previous Legende, which was a J105.

How did you come to buy your boat and why this one?

We had been looking for a 15 metre sailing boat that could do both great cruising and great racing, to enjoy all aspects of Hong Kong’s sailing life, within a reasonable budget. We looked at several options, including models from Bavaria, Solaris, Elan, Dehler, etc. We even had a trial on a magnificent Swan 54. When we tried the Oceanis 51.1, it was love at first sight. My son and daughters – the three of them keen racers on 29er dinghies – loved its performance and handling. My wife loved the vast and comfortable interior and cockpit. I must say I liked both. I was also keen to be able to handle the boat with very limited crew, which this boat achieves perfectly, with all its lines accessible near the helm stations and four solid power winches.

Where is the boat based?

We have a mooring at the ABC in the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter.

How do you use your yacht?

We are out on our boat almost every weekend, for a variety of occasions. We like to race in the ABC Waglan and summer series as well as in classic events like the Around the Island Race or the Beneteau Cup, battling for one of the top spots on the finish line in our HKPN category (yes, Legende II is fast!!). We also like to go out for a day cruise with friends, dropping the anchor in one of our favorite spots, like Turtle Bay or Potoi, for a picnic and swim. Then, when we have more time, we head out to the Saikung area, where we hop from island to island, enjoying amazing spots like Bluff Island or Millionaire Bay.

Please share your favourite moment on your boat.

Last year’s Around the Island race was particularly memorable. Beautiful weather. Windy but not too much. There were 10 of us onboard, enjoying a fantastic day of leisurely racing. What was really amazing was that, thanks to changing winds, we almost did the entire race under spinnaker, except the last leg to the finish line in Victoria Harbour. Since we were a bit ahead of the pack (51 foot and a 180 sqm spinnaker can really make you fly), we could see dozens of deployed spinnakers behind us against the beautiful Hong Kong scenery. It was an amazing sight!

Please share your most memorable trip/experience and why?

Waking up early in the morning in Bluff Island’s beautiful cove and jumping into the crystal-clear waters for a swim to the beach. Then enjoying the view of our boat, anchored in the bay, completely alone, as if we had landed on a desert island…. at least for a few hours until other visitors arrive for the day.

What is your favourite place on board?

At the helm, in a good breeze, feeling the extraordinary sensations of power and speed that this boat generates when it’s charging ahead!

Which Asian cruising destination do you recommend to your fellow yachtsmen to visit?

On my bucket list is a cruise to Phuket, with stops in Palawan, Brunei, Singapore, etc. I’d also love to do a trip to Vietnam.

What are your sailing plans for the next 2-3 years?

A lot of sailing in Hong Kong waters, with a few escapes to the Philippines

or Vietnam. Maybe we will participate in one of Hong Kong’s offshore races to China or Vietnam. And a big dream, at some point, is to sail all the way back to Europe through the Indian Ocean.

Why did you join the yachting community and what attracted you to this lifestyle?

I have always been around boats since my dinghy-sailing childhood. I had been chartering boats in the Mediterranean for many years, sailing with family along the French Riviera, in Greece, Italy and Spain. I was very keen to move to Hong Kong 13 years ago because I knew Hong Kong was a sailing paradise, where you can pursue a career in large global firms, and yet always be only 20 minutes away from your boat.

If you could change your boat for another in the future, what would be your next one be and why?

This is a very difficult question. On one hand, I am very attracted by Beneteau’s First 53, which looks absolutely amazing, so sleek and powerful. It would be amazing for racing. On the other hand, if we decide to cruise back to Europe someday, we may want to do that on an even more spacious catamaran…why not a Lagoon 46 or a Lagoon 51?

Please share your experience of working with Simpson Marine? A good bunch. They love what they do. Eager to help. Responsive. Fun (great parties during Beneteau Cup). Not cheap though…Haha!

GUO ZIHUA & LAGOON 46

Into the sea in Guo Zihua’s heart

Everyone has an ocean,

Some magnificent

Some spring flowers are also blooming

It can be seen that the sea in everyone’s heart is different

The sea seems to say everything about life

And also tells the ancient oriental story.

The exploration of the sea has never stopped since ancient times, and over the years the marine culture in China has gradually grown. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that the prosperity of a country and a nation is always supported by cultural prosperity. Without the inheritance and development of civilisation, and without the promotion and prosperity of culture, there will be no realisation of the Chinese dream.

Thousands of years ago in China, we had Zheng He’s seven voyages to the Western Ocean. It was an important journey that delivered friendly relationships with various countries in terms of politics, economics, and culture. Culture has made a huge contribution to who we are. Culture affects each of us. On the surface, it reflects a person’s appearance, spirit, and attitude, but at the root is our outlook on life and values, which affects and guides us in all walks of life. It is crucial to our quality of life, development, and innovation.

Marine culture is truly fascinating, and in many ways it inspires our inner voyager and explorer. In fact, sailing and exploring on the ocean is not as easy as is often imagined and as an ordinary person with no sailing experience the gap between the idea and the reality may sometimes be very large. First of all, we may face the problem of seasickness, as well as all kinds of sudden weather, huge waves and even fear. But at the same time, it delivers moments that make you feel truly alive such as a breathtaking sunset, or the strange and beautiful underwater world, which amazes the eyes and shocks the soul. And let’s not forget fresh sashimi caught straight from the ocean – this delicious feast is a special meal that makes the work of catching fish well worth it.

Due to the pandemic, I have only been able to get to Xisha a few times in recent years, but I have always enjoyed it greatly. At present, there is no in-depth tourism development in Xisha, Zhongsha and Nansha, and it is hoped that this ocean can be well protected. Whether you wish to go to Xisha, or to sail the world, it is very important to choose a high-quality boat and a good captain. At present, one of my favourite boats is the new Lagoon 46 model, which has plenty of open spaces, a wide line of sight and a design that is well suited to both long term and shorter voyages. The configuration is excellent and there is a BOSE sound system which adds a lot of fun to sailing for a music lover like me. I have been lucky enough to sail on many seas and I have a dream to sail around the world… when the pandemic is over I hope that this dream will become a reality.

Sailing gives you many feelings – just like in our everyday lives, fear and beauty can co-exist and when we experience this we grow and the soul is transformed. A friend once said, “If Tibet is to wash the soul, then Xisha is definitely meeting the soul.” Indeed, we are born of nature and will return to nature, this is the way of the world. With the progress of science and technology, we often feel far away from nature, and the

bright lights of high-rise buildings can make us confused and anxious inside. Sailing away from land and turning off the internet is a special experience that is very good for us.

In many ways, sailing is like a practice of exploring oneself, diving into the vast sea, deeply feeling our smallness, fearing nature, and also rising from the heart and co-existing with nature, in order to soar between heaven and earth.

Sailing is also an interesting life, suitable for all ages with no limits. The sailing experience can develop relationships and friendships, improve our wellbeing, and also teach us the ability to adapt to and appreciate the environment we live in.

From the past era of great navigations to the present, our country has always been in a backward stage in terms of marine strength or marine culture, but looking to the future it is now very exciting as people like you and I connect our hearts with the sea.

BLUEGAME BG42 A HAPPY EXPERIENCE

What boat do you currently own?

We are happy owners of a Bluegame BG42.

How did you come to buy your boat and why this one?

We have owned a number of motor boats, from 23 up to 47 feet long. We fell in love with the BG42 design because it’s a boat big enough for weekends onboard for a couple with a dog, yet the layout and design are more like a walk-around or centre-console rather than a cabin-cruiser. We wanted the open-air concept, and proximity to the water combined with good sea-handling skills, and all that we have found in the BG42.

Where is the boat based?

The yacht is based on the east coast of Hong Kong, and that’s also our usual cruising ground. It has lots of small islands and beaches with two distinct seasons. First, the winter, when the NE monsoon prevails and the seas can be quite rough – we then find good shelter between the islands. Second, the summer, when the SW monsoon is prevalent, during which time the water on the east side of Hong Kong is flat and the days are long and hot!

How do you use your yacht?

Predominantly for day trips, but also the occasional weekender. With its generator, air conditioning, fridge and hob, the yacht is perfectly fine for two to three days away, at anchor or on a mooring buoy overnight.

Please share your favourite moment on your boat.

Our favourite moment has to be when slow-steaming back to the marina on a late Sunday afternoon, sundrenched and warm after a beautiful day enjoying the best of the Hong Kong coastline. I love the late afternoon light, just before the sun sets behind the mountains of Hong Kong. The colours are magical then.

Please share your most memorable trip/experience and why?

A weekend trip up to Double Haven in the early spring. It’s one of the most picturesque natural wonders of Hong Kong and it completely makes you forget you live in a big, bustling city!

What is your favourite place on board?

Sitting on the foredeck whilst at anchor. A bit of a breeze and it turns out that the forward bulwark and small step up to the forward lounging area make a great congregation point to enjoy sundowners with a couple of good friends!

Which Asian cruising destination do you recommend to your fellow yachtsmen to visit?

If in Hong Kong waters, Double Haven has to be high on the list. But otherwise the Andaman Sea from Phuket and down towards Langkawi are spectacular sailing grounds!

What are your sailing plans for the next 2-3 years?

More of the same!

Why did you join the yachting community and what attracted you to this lifestyle?

I’ve been a sea-dog all my life. Windsurfing, sailing and scuba diving as a boy and young man. I eventually ended up as a deep-sea captain, on cargo vessels, before coming ashore in my mid-30s for career reasons. The attraction to the sea is very deep-rooted, and the boating lifestyle a natural progression of this historic relationship.

If you could change your boat for another in the future, what would be your next one be and why?

Ultimately, I would like to have a trawler style yacht capable of doing real offshore passages. Safety and comfort, as well as an ultra-long

range, would be paramount, and a 70’ - 75’ yacht the likes of a Bering or a Nordhavn would be high on the list for retirement!

Please share your experience of working with Simpson Marine? Simpson Marine has been personal, attentive, and committed to a high service level throughout the purchase, commissioning and warranty of the BG42. It’s my first time buying a yacht through Simpson and I only have positive things to say of the experience. A new boat will always come with small teething troubles, but throughout the building, the delivery and subsequent commissioning we have been in good hands with both the sales and after sales services teams at Simpson.

This year you celebrate a very special anniversary, 10 years in Asia and 10 years with Simpson Marine. Before we get into the details, how would you summarise this important achievement?

It was 10 years at the end of the September since I left the UK to come here. It’s been a challenging 10 years shall we say, very different from working in Europe, but very exciting. In that time we have seen a lot of different things with the protests in Hong Kong, changes of government in Thailand and Malaysia and recently the Covid-19 pandemic that has swept across the world. Simultaneously we have seen a dramatic and totally unprecedented increase in the yachting business around the world. All of these challenges have made these 10 years fly by.

How did your time at Simpson Marine start in the first place?

I was working in England and I got a call from Mike Simpson who was flying one of his planes in England asking me if I could meet him on the Isle of Wight. Unfortunately, the weather was bad, so Mike did not quite make it there, but I met him instead at his flying base in Biggin Hill. We sat and had a chat about the yachting

RICHARD ALLEN

Celebrating Years in Asia 10

Simpson Marine’s Group General Manager, Richard Allen, celebrates a notable milestone in 2022 – a whole decade in Asia with Simpson Marine. We took this opportunity to ask him 10 questions about the last 10 years.

business, Asia, and whether I would be interested in coming over to Hong Kong and working for him at Simpson Marine. At that time I had never been to Asia before, the furthest east I had been was the Middle East so obviously this would mean a big move for me. I came out for a long weekend in the middle of August 2012, which, having lived in Hong Kong for these many years, I now appreciate is probably the worst time ever to come due to the high humidity. I remember the heat, visiting the Peak and going to see some apartments and wondering how we were going to live in these quite small apartments compared to our large house with a big garden in the UK. But anyway, a month or so later I was on a plane arriving in Hong Kong and that’s where it all began.

How has your career at Simpson Marine evolved and where is the company heading today?

I joined Simpson at quite an exciting time, together with another colleague Paul Grange who joined at the same time. Paul came to manage the brokerage business and Azimut and I was employed to run the Beneteau Group side of the business which included Beneteau Sail and Lagoon. Shortly after I joined we expanded our relationship with the Beneteau Group and took on Beneteau

Power, Monte Carlo and Monte Carlo Yachts. It was quite an interesting time as I was learning the nature of the business in Hong Kong and around the region. I was managing this division for three years up until 2015 when we had to make a big strategic move, changing from Azimut Yachts after 25 years to Sanlorenzo. Paul left at that time and I took on the role of Sales Director for all the brands in the Group. We then had a bit of reorganisation within the company during this period as we strengthened our management team. Then in late 2018 I became the Group General Manager, taking over the dayto-day responsibilities and running the business for Mike and that’s where I am today.

Today, we are going through some interesting times as Mike after 37 years at the helm is progressively looking to retire, but very much wanting to maintain the legacy of the Simpson business across the region. We are reviewing a few potential investment options, with new investors looking to come into the business, which will be an exciting project to be involved in.

Mike is looking to spend more time sailing and flying so it will be interesting to manage the business through this transition. And obviously, who our new investors will be will very much dictate where I am in the future and how the company is going to evolve for the next 37 years.

We would like to strengthen our presence in our existing markets and expand into some new areas where there is still a lot of potential – we are looking at Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines – and maybe to expand our range with more brands within the Simpson Marine Group. We see the growth in sustainability and electric or hydrogen power systems for yachts in the future and we must be ready for this.

Already we are quite a diverse business representing some fantastic shipyards including Sanlorenzo, Bluegame, Beneteau, Lagoon, Fairline, Aquila and Highfield as well as our brokerage division, a charter division, a yacht management division and we have added recently another division specialising in tenders, water toys and equipment. We also have a big and experienced service team to take care of all the yachts that we sell. We are very proud to have such a large team and the company is growing and attracts great talent and has a strong team spirit. There are just under 140 people currently employed within the business across our 11 offices and seven countries in which we are operating. That obviously will continue to grow as we develop into new markets and particularly as the business has experienced rapid growth over the past two and half years.

Simpson Marine Hong Kong team

How does working in Asia compare to the UK and Europe?

That’s a very good question. It’s very different, certainly the biggest difference is that the use of the boats is really dissimilar from Europe. We find, particularly in Hong Kong, it is quite rare for people to spend nights on their boats, as they generally use them for day use, even on the larger luxury superyachts. However, that is changing a little in recent years as we have seen more people experiencing the yachting freedom and buying boats and spending more weekends on their boats with family and friends, particularly in Hong Kong and Thailand. Less so in Singapore because of the limited cruising areas but when they can travel into Indonesia and Malaysia and Thailand there is fantastic cruising in these markets. So that’s the fundamental difference.

Obviously, I’m a very keen sailor and I did a lot of sailing in Hong Kong and in the 10 years that I have been here it has been very encouraging to see more local people getting involved in sailing. Now whenever we are sailing there are a lot more locals than expats, who used to dominate the sailing scene in Asia. So, there is definitely some growth on that front. There is also massive interest in wake surfing and wake boarding which appeals to the young and that is great because it is often their first foray onto the water and hopefully they will be the buyers of larger yachts in the future.

Finally I have had to become an expert in karaoke as this is extremely popular here in Hong Kong and China and it is a must have option on many of the yachts we sell, albeit my singing skills remain poor!

Have you noticed notable customer behaviour changes during these past 10 years in terms of yacht purchases and boating in general?

In my first four to five years we were very active in China and a lot of the yachts were being bought by companies and corporations for entertaining and that has totally changed in the last five to six years and it’s now down to individuals in this market.

Most yachts being sold had to have a flybridge and stabilizers, now more and more owners want to drive boats themselves, and they are looking for smaller generally under 50ft sporty boats that they can operate with basic licenses as well as having bigger yachts that they can enjoy with family and friends or entertaining.

There is certainly more knowledge in the industry, our buyers have done their research, they know a lot more about the different models and different yachts that are available. Before they did not spend as much time on the technical aspects of a boat, more on accommodation and comfort and now they are very much interested in performance, fuel economy, and the yacht’s handling.

Which places in Asia have you particularly enjoyed going to and why?

I did a lot of travelling in the region when I first arrived, and it was great because it was all new! I spent a lot of time in beautiful places like Thailand, Indonesia, and also in Southern China in Hainan. There are

Richard at the helm of Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 “Freedom“ at the Beneteau Cup Hong Kong 2022

some fantastic sailing and water sports locations in Asia, and there are still so many I am yet to visit. But if I had to pick, my firm favourite that I enjoy going to would probably be Phuket. I have spent quite a lot of time there for business and with family and friends for holidays. It has great sailing, good golf courses, many nice beaches and certainly at the time of year that we go there around November and December it beats being back in England!

What has been your favourite time sailing in Asia?

I have raced an Etchells (racing yacht) nearly every weekend here in Hong Kong for the last five years and have also skippered some boats in the big boat scene. I don’t think there is any one favorite moment, but I do remember winning my first race in the Hong Kong Etchells fleet and winning two races at the class championships in 2019, that was pretty special as the Etchells fleet attracts many of the top sailors in Hong Kong.

The race I’m looking forward to is the China Sea Race from Hong Kong to the Philippines in 2023 on a Swan 53. The race has been cancelled for the last couple of years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but hopefully it will take place in 2023. Nearly all my sailing in the last few years has been done in Hong Kong but I have managed a few charters in Greece, Croatia and the Caribbean, during the last 10 years.

I did attend the Penghu Regatta a few years ago in Taiwan and I have to say it’s such a beautiful and unspoilt place and it’s somewhere I’d like to go back to. I would definitely like to spend some more time there and sail around Taiwan as its remains still quite undeveloped.

What is your favourite Asian dish?

There are so many! I was not a big eater of Asian food when I came here – a Chinese take away in England is very different from a local Chinese restaurant here, but I quickly adapted. I guess Thai food is now my favourite type, together with a Malaysian Nasi Goreng. Client dinners and meetings often offer different culinary experiences, and I have had the chance to taste some quite interesting things – you don’t always know what you are eating but that’s part of the adventure. Of course, in Hong Kong we have very famous dim sum, and in the past we had the very famous JUMBO restaurant just outside of our office which was a popular place where we often went for company lunches and celebrations. Unfortunately, that has just left Hong Kong, so we need to find a new location now.

Where would you most like to visit in Asia for a holiday?

Raja Ampat is where I would like to go on holiday. I have seen some beautiful photos and inspiring videos from friends, and I have yet to go there. I would also like to see the Komodos and cruise more extensively in Indonesia.

Do you have a wish for the next 10 years?

Staying healthy would be the main thing, the pace of life in Hong Kong is high and getting the right work/life balance is challenging. I want to continue to explore Asia as the opportunities for the yachting industry remain very strong in the region and there are many new opportunities to develop for the years to come. It is rewarding to see all the new people coming into the industry, we face much more competition these days and it is crucial for us to share our lifestyle and passion with the local teams and for me to continue to embrace more of the local culture from around the region. Hopefully we can soon travel more again. Having not really travelled for the past two years, I look forward to seeing all the Simpson teams in their locations in the very near future.

Richard welcomes teams to the Beneteau Cup Hong Kong 2022

TEAM ON THE SEA

We asked some of the Simpson Marine team to reveal their best yachting stories, experiences and life on the water.

ANGEL ZHOU China General Manager

After two and a half years of being “grounded” in Hong Kong due to restrictive pandemic policies, I was finally able to make some holiday plans and travel to Europe and New York to meet with friends and enjoy time together on the water. This followed right after a trip to France for my first Cannes Yachting Festival in three years! It was amazing to travel again and explore so many great yachts on display at Cannes with many of my customers joining me as well and enjoying yachting in the French Riviera. We had great fun cruising around Cannes, Antibes, Monte Carlo and all the picturesque villages on this stunning coast.

Aside from my recent travels, most of my time is spent in Hong Kong and I am truly happy to see a growing community of Sanlorenzo owners spending time together on our beautiful waters. We regularly arrange friends’ gatherings and celebrate different festivals together, such as the MidAutumn Festival, Chinese New Year and Christmas, and we make sure the yachts are beautifully decorated and enjoy festive meals all together at sea. We have also organised many special dinners with a dreamlike beach set up and had lots of fun with water sports. My big passion is certainly wake surfing and diving. I look forward to taking my squad of friends on diving trips, and we are already eyeing up a trip to Indonesia or the Philippines. If you want to join my water sports community and maximise your own yachting fun in Hong Kong and China, please feel free to reach out to me!

Despite having worked in the yachting industry for over 15 years, and with extensive time at sea in many wonderful places of the world, I have never had a chance (or rather time!) to do the basics and learn dinghy sailing on my own. As a working mum of three little and very active kids, there has never been the right moment to take this amount of time for myself and undertake a professional certified course. So, back in 2021 when my family decided to stay in Hong Kong for the whole summer , I decided that the time was PERFECT… it was NOW or NEVER.

I signed up for Beginner’s Level 1 & 2 course at ABC’s Middle Island and had an amazing time with my new fellow sailors learning to sail on RS Zest and Quest. Despite that summer’s quieter than usual winds, we had some great times sailing and stronger winds graced all three weekends on the water. Since then I have taken many daily and weekend sailing lessons and training sessions on different dinghies including Olympic class Laser boats, with some challenging windy days and many capsizes involved. I hope to move to the next level soon as the classes have resumed again and I am crossing my fingers for the right dates that will work with my

schedule! The satisfaction and pride of being able to handle myself even in these small dinghy boats is beyond imaginable and I encourage anyone to give it a try. Away from your phones, screens, city buzz (and, let’s say it… kids), these days on the sea are the best spent weekends with much fun and team work, but also self-discipline and a healthy drive to do better every time.

Meanwhile, having been lucky enough to meet so many new people during my days sailing, I have also had a chance to train on a bigger 10-crew sailing boat in Sai Kung, trying out various crew positions and even learn how to sail with a spinnaker, which was quite athletic but fun! They have been great times sailing with local crews and enjoying the spectacular settings of the Hong Kong Geopark.

Next stop: My first RHKYC Around The Island Race (Hong Kong’s biggest annual regatta) this November as part of bigger crew. It’s very exciting!

KATRINA CHEN Yacht Broker, Taiwan

We have all been taught an important lesson from the Covid-19 pandemic – it made us re-think our priorities in life, remembering how precious life is. I personally re-examined the little things in life that you often take for granted and see as insignificant, which now actually seem the most valuable.

Time on the ocean is one of those important things. The time I was able to spend on the ocean during the pandemic was very precious to me. I have many special memories – a trip to the Milk Sea with besties, fishing with family all night, a sailing competition with friends, unboxing big water toys with clients, and holding handover parties on boats. Every moment shared on the sea brings us closer together after the distance created by time apart during the pandemic.

Dear friends, long time no SEA , SEA you soon.

KEVIN TAM

Yacht Broker, Hong Kong

It’s hard to pick a most memorable moment spent on the water, as anything related to the sea is always my favourite. The sea is like another planet and there is a lot you can explore and experience. On this incomparable planet, you can either choose to be adventurous with a kayak, to have a big and unforgettable party with a group of friends, or to enjoy the serenity with family on a sunset cruise! In addition to that it is a planet you can really enjoy and get excited about, and it is also a space for us to connect with each other.

We live our everyday lives in a busy city, where things can come and go really fast, and it sometimes feels like you are hardly able to take the time to share a moment with each other. To me, the calmness of the sea and the lightness of the breeze can offer us a chance to communicate and to share the moments we are always seeking. Every time I go out to the sea, with either friends or family, I feel like the distance between each of us is shortened and we will better understand each other. This experience and these moments are unique and precious.

Next time you need time to share a moment with someone, go plan a trip to the sea! The reward you get will be beyond what you can imagine.

SOWTON

The past few years have given me many opportunities to experience memorable boating trips, and each trip had its own individual charm. The most memorable one would be the first time I spent the night on a boat. In January 2022 I had the amazing opportunity to join my friends on their 52ft catamaran.

We left the marina in the late afternoon and anchored not far off the coast of Phuket to enjoy the beautiful scenery and sunset. We continued to sail further away from the coast after the sun went down and I remember that night well because there was a beautiful full moon on display. Far away from the lights of the city, the moon shone bright and the sky was studded with stars. In hopes of an even better view, my friends and I took a little adventure and put the kayak onboard to good use. We paddled far enough to see the breath-taking view of the boat on the water, the glittering sea, and stars in the background, and the view was magnificent. We stayed on the kayak, admiring the peace and quiet that being on the water brings. It is a trip I will never forget.

LINDA

Yacht Broker, Thailand

Since June of 2020, I have been happily exploring the waters of Hong Kong on my 7.6m Highfield RIB. With a 300hp outboard giving a top speed of 48 knots, and comfortable cruising speeds of 30-35 knots, I have truly gone from edge to edge of Hong Kong’s borders, while also seeing every nautical nook and cranny in between. My friends and I have enjoyed beach BBQs and camping trips in Double Haven, frequent trips to Po Toi Island for amazing seafood, and long runs out to western Lantau Island (in sight of Macau) to hopefully spot some of that area’s very rare pink dolphins. I’m very pleased with how well Highfield’s deep-V aluminium hull handles all sea conditions, as this enables me to enjoy boating to the fullest even when the weather might not be ideal.

TOM ALLEN Sales Manager, Hong Kong TEAM

WILLIAM POON Yacht Broker, Malaysia

Since joining the Simpson Marine Malaysia team in 2017 it has been an exciting journey, with plenty of time on the water. Being able to meet interesting individuals and their families, and having the opportunity to guide them to achieve their dream makes my job always interesting. You get immense satisfaction from knowing that your client had a good time and a safe experience with their yacht. They are truly enjoying time on the water with family and friends; this makes my work complete.

My most memorable boating experiences in 2022 are mainly centred around fishing, eating and cruising around the waters of Port Dickson, Penang and Song Song Island. Enjoying the beautiful sunrise or sunset on the waters wherever you are cruising is simply a wonderful feeling.

On the Aquila 28MC Molokai power catamaran we had great fun fishing with the new owner. Being able to see a young boy catching some fish with his daddy and having fun is simply priceless. This type of memory makes owners want to come and use their yacht often and enjoy activities on the water. Many owners I work with continue to keep in touch, and some eventually become friends. We enjoy many fun activities together such as a simple evening BBQ or time sharing a beer, a picnic at the beach, or fishing trips. The water brings people together.

ZACHARY KOO

Yacht Broker, Hong Kong

My boating experience in 2022 was quite unusual compared to previous years, as we are able to enjoy boating during all seasons in the south. This year I am grateful to have been able to go boating in Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Sanya. I managed to enjoy some amazing experiences with friends and family.

One of my most memorable boating experiences was cruising on the Lagoon 46 from Cleanwater Bay in Sanya to the middle of the sea, dropping the anchor, and enjoying the tropical landscape. A friend bought an e-surfing board and I spent two hours on the board! At the end of the trip, watching the sun set with a can of beer at the bow of the Lagoon 46 was really magical.

SIMPSON MARINE AND ALI G JOINTLY LAUNCH THEIR FIRST NFT COLLECTION ODE TO THE SEA

In July 2022 Simpson Marine, together with celebrated photographer Ali G, launched its very first Non-Fungible Token (NFT) collection – ODE TO THE SEA – that pays homage to the ocean. NFTs are becoming increasingly popular digital assets, and Simpson Marine saw the opportunity to create a unique and special NFT collection for discerning buyers. ODE TO THE SEA is an exclusive premiere collection of 15 unique photography NFTs, each a 1/1 edition.

This very special creation celebrates Simpson Marine’s maritime roots, with a touch of performance art. Simpson Marine has recently become a corporate patron of the Hong Kong Ballet (HKB), so the aim was to achieve the perfect crossover between the artistic world of ballet and the ocean. Having decided on a creative concept of a ballet dance at sea on board two selected yachts, a Sanlorenzo SX76 and a Bluegame BGX70 became the heart of the campaign.

A couple of experienced Hong Kong ballet dancers were photographed by Ali G in the iconic locations of Victoria Harbour (Central & TST) and the Southern Side (Repulse Bay & South Bay), reinforcing the company’s attachment to Hong Kong and the recognition of its position as the unquestionable yachting centre of Asia. It was a memorable day creating the collection, with a special energy throughout the entire shoot. The motion and beauty of the dancers on board these striking yachts produced a set of 15 evocative images that are sure to be widely admired.

“This has been an exciting project to work on with Ali G, as we have been witnessing Hong Kong’s creative NFT effervescence for the past few months,” says Ewa Stachurska, Group Marketing Director at Simpson Marine. “We are conscious that many of our yacht owners are crypto investors and thought that this creative project would appeal

to them, and they would want to have a piece of this exclusive collection in their growing portfolio. We are proud of our new relationship with the ballet world as we have just become official patrons of Hong Kong Ballet and are committed to supporting its artistic growth as part of our community projects.”

“Simpson Marine has been synonymous with luxury yachting and is known for being a pioneer in the yachting world,” says Ali G of Ali G Studios. “I am honoured to be part of this collaboration and to use my art to bring alive a vision that we planned for months and executed flawlessly together. I hope this paves the way for more brand and artist collaborations in the future!”

The ODE TO THE SEA collection is available via Ali G’s official account on Foundation, an NFT marketplace that aims to build a new creative economy based on the Ethereum blockchain. Purchase comes with several appealing extras, including tickets to the HKB, access to a VIP Simpson Marine event, and a signed museum quality print of their NFT.

To purchase, collectors can simply connect their wallets to this account to purchase the NFTs: www.foundation.app/@aligstudios

SCAN TO VIEW COLLECTION

“ODE TO THE SEA”

NEW MODEL REVIEW 2022/23

A SELECTION OF THE BEST NEW YACHTS OUT THIS SEASON TO INSPIRE YOU

SANLORENZO 73STEEL

A NEW DIMENSION OF A METAL SUPERYACHT

Sanlorenzo’s new flagship metal superyacht will have an overall length of 73 metres, an innovative diesel-electric propulsion system aimed at minimising emissions, and a completely unconventional layout that will take the connection between interior and exterior and between man and nature to another level. The exterior lines will once

again be entrusted to the creativity of the Zuccon International Project studio, while the décor concept promises to be innovative and at times revolutionary. The focus on maximum comfort combined with meticulous attention to the aesthetics of the spaces will create scenarios in which family intimacy and privacy will be at the heart of the liveability of this unparalleled superyacht.

SANLORENZO X-SPACE

THE PERFECT BLEND BETWEEN EXPLORER YACHTS AND CLASSIC NAVETTAS

With a length of 44 metres and five decks, the volume for a yacht of this size is extraordinary. X-Space is designed for expert owners who love to explore faraway destinations, without relinquishing the unmistakable elegance of Sanlorenzo’s lines. The design of the superyacht has been carefully arranged to accentuate the relationship between the interior and exterior spaces, and the first hull of the series is due for delivery in 2023.

SANLORENZO SP110

SMART PERFORMANCE, FIRST SPORT COUPE MODEL

Pursuing research into the development of low environmental impact technologies, but without forgetting the importance of the yacht’s driving experience, Sanlorenzo has designed the new SP110 model. The design is an advanced, evolved, and revolutionary proposal that opens a new chapter in the yachting sector as it combines a green sensibility with unique comfort and unparalleled performance. The aim of the SP110 is to enter the world of sports yachts with a yacht that breaks the mould – the grand reveal came in September 2022.

SANLORENZO SX100

ENHANCING LIFE AT SEA

Introduced at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2022, the new SX100 model from the innovative crossover range of Sanlorenzo’s compact expedition yachts features many of the great options available on the bigger model SX112 including the signature fold-down terraces and a huge lower deck lounge.

SANLORENZO SD90

FLEXIBLE CONFIGURATION AND OPTIMISED HULL DESIGN

As the entry-level model of the revamped SD line (Sanlorenzo’s semidisplacement range) the SD90 is the third chapter in a success story that began with the SD96 and SD118. With this new model, Sanlorenzo encloses in a smaller size a series of important features that are the result of ongoing stylistic and technological research, including hybrid

motorisation, carried out by the company in an open and continuous dialogue with designers. The SD90 represents a 360° green proposal thanks to the special attention given to research and use of materials from alternative sources and a “sustainable hybrid” propulsion system.

BLUEGAME BGM75

LUXURY MULTIHULL REDEFINED, A NEW BEGINNING

The BGM75 is the first of a new series of multihull yachts from Bluegame, which is called the BGM line. Its many attractive features include: an ultra-efficient hull derived from the America’s Cup, designed by Philippe Briand, a world-renowned expert in the design of performance hulls, optimisation of the Volvo IPS propulsion system with 50% less power required than monohull vessels of the same volume, use of carbon for the hull, use of lightweight materials for all non-structural parts and all furnishing components. All these elements contribute to an impressive reduction in fuel consumption.

BLUEGAME BG54

IMPRESSIVE ERGONOMICS, BOW AND STERN HIGHLIGHT

The new and improved BG54 model includes revamped stern and bow areas and a cockpit with breath-taking 360° views. The spacious multipurpose stern can be used both as a launching and hauling system and as an immersed area. The bow, which is designed to be a unique and impressive space for this type of boat, is perfected with a dinette that transforms from a dining area to a lounge area. This model was designed in line with all the latest technologies, and also delivers unique sense of closeness with the ocean.

LAGOON 51

FOCUS ON SPACE AND SUSTAINABILITY

The Lagoon 51 boasts optimised circulation on board, allowing fluidity of movement around the vessel. This new catamaran model has an amazing layout, many new sustainable solutions to reduce its footprint, and an elegant profile. The Lagoon 51 made her world premiere in April 2022 at the International Multihull Show where she received universal praise.

BENETEAU OCEANIS YACHT 60

SAFE, LUXURIOUS, HIGH-PERFORMANCE

A subtle interplay of proportions and a gentle reverse sheer creates the kind of space you typically find on a 62-footer while retaining an elegant design and excellent seakeeping abilities. These unique features on the Oceanis Yacht 60 result in a true bluewater yacht that offers outstanding performance yet is easy to sail shorthand. The profile of the contemporary, yet timelessly elegant, 18-metre hull of the Oceanis Yacht 60 is a beautiful silhouette on the sea.

BENETEAU FIRST 44

REFINING AND REDEFINING SPEED

Beneteau’s First 44 is a noble expression of the term “racer/cruiser” – she is an elegant and comfortable yacht that provides unequalled pleasure under sail. A generous sail plan allows the First 44 to be lively and efficient in all conditions. Four winches, a fixed centreline block for the mainsheet,

and a mast that is set further aft all maximize the potential of her modern sailplane, defined by a slender mainsail and generously sized foresails. Plenty of convivial areas and easy movement around the vessel complete the picture.

BENETEAU FIRST 36

FIRST MAINSTREAM RACER/ CRUISER

With the First 36 you can experience the thrill of highperformance sailing, not only on the racecourse but also on family holidays or day-sailing trips. With the use of a high-tech and meticulously designed deck and interior ergonomics, she brings together the most important features of grand prix racing boats into the hands of a club racer or active cruiser. The First 36 is the first mainstream racer/cruiser where onboard comfort doesn’t affect the experience of high-performance, competitive sailing. The best of both worlds!

BENETEAU SWIFT TRAWLER 48

PRACTICAL EASY LIVING AND CIRCULATION, BUILT TO SEEK NEW HORIZONS

The new Swift Trawler 48 embodies the spirit of the practical seaworthy passagemaker. The Swift Trawler 48 is 14.74 metres long overall with a beam of 4.50 metres and is a great addition to the successful Trawler range by Beneteau. The Andreani design focuses on practical easy living and circulation that builds on the wealth of Beneteau Trawler DNA and customer feedback. This yacht’s incredible living spaces and comfort have won a community of 1000+ long-distance boaters worldwide.

FAIRLINE SQUADRON 68

EFFORTLESSLY MODERN

A new contemporary interior and the intelligent use of light and sumptuous materials herald a new look for this future-forward Fairline. The Fairline Squadron 68 evokes memories of the past great Squadrons which made the Fairline brand famous. Improved features include hull windows and a hard top that has the option of an electric extending canopy to cover the bar unit, or an aft cover on poles fitted onto the flybridge to cover the entire back of the flybridge on a sliding fabric roof.

FAIRLINE PHANTOM 65

SERENE INTERIORS, SLEEK PROFILE, POWERFUL AT SEA

Inspired by the award-winning design of the Targa 65, this latest addition to the Fairline family raises the bar on every level. Within every line, every detail, and every feature, you’ll find the perfect balance of unparalleled calm and unrivalled excitement. Heralded as the yard’s first ever “sportsbridge” yacht, the Phantom 65 is stylish and spacious. One of the most highly anticipated new models in recent times.

OUR ALL TIME FAVOURITES

In addition to the yachts making their debut this year, we have highlighted some of our all-time favourite models from our brands.

Full details of all our yachts for sale can be found on our website www.simpsonmarine.com

SANLORENZO 62STEEL

DESIGNED WITH TOP-CLASS INNOVATIVE TECHNICAL FEATURES

Currently the largest and most spacious Sanlorenzo yacht, the 62Steel has been designed with an innovative layout. With a length of 62 metres, the 62Steel pairs Sanlorenzo’s timeless and classic style with the very latest design innovations and impressive volumes. Boasting sober lines and a harmonious design, the 62Steel is like none other.

SANLORENZO ALLOY

EXUDING LUXURY AND TIMELESS STYLE

The Alloy is a perfect example of Sanlorenzo’s excellence in construction and design. Built from aluminium, this 44.5m long and 9m wide fast displacement superyacht, expertly represents Sanlorenzo’s tailor-made customer approach. This spectacular superyacht combines personality and luxury.

SANLORENZO

SL120 ASYMMETRIC

HIGH QUALITY, COMFORT AND FLEXIBILITY

The SL120A was born from Sanlorenzo’s ability to see the world in a unique and clever way. Sanlorenzo has demonstrated its particular talent for working on the concept of space and shaping it at will through the SL120 Asymmetric. It is the new flagship of the incomparable Asymmetric line, offering space, comfort, functional quality, and great flexibility.

SANLORENZO SD118

CONTEMPORARY, TIMELESS, ELEGANT

The yard’s SD line, with its asymmetric body, reflects the constant innovation and research conducted by Sanlorenzo over the years. The SD118 is the ideal balance between classic, traditional lines and a contemporary design interpretation.

SANLORENZO SX112

INCOMPARABLE LIVING SENSATION, SPECTACULAR STERN AREA

The SX112 represents the consolidation of a path that began with the SX88, first, and then the SX76, to create a new way of living at sea with Sanlorenzo’s incomparable Crossover range. This new flagship of Sanlorenzo’s SX line offers a contemporary design, and the boat opens to the outside to deliver a close relationship with its marine surroundings.

BLUEGAME BG72

UNCOMPROMISED DESIGN, SEAMLESS CIRCULATION

The BG72’s revolutionary contemporary design was created with the aim of offering all the comforts of a flybridge yacht to lovers of more open boats. The result is an original combination of two approaches, in a revolutionary layout with a completely open upper deck and the amazing lower deck of the popular BGX70.

BLUEGAME BGX60

ICONIC DESIGN CONCEPT, ITALIAN CHIC

This striking power yacht allows you to experience the infinite blue even when inside your yacht, with a sunken step leading into the saloon providing a profound closeness with the sea. Just like her big sister, the BGX70, the BGX60 is the perfect blend of functionality, comfort, and seaworthiness.

FAIRLINE SQUADRON 53

GRACEFUL, ITALIAN-DESIGNED, ELEGANT VESSEL

The Squadron 53’s exterior styling is from the boards of Italian designer Alberto Mancini – the design combines soft curves, the graceful arch of its swept flybridge and sophisticated styling. Every detail in the Fairline 53 has been carefully considered, creating a truly special yacht that compromises on nothing.

FAIRLINE TARGA 45 GT

STYLISH EXPRESS CRUISER FOR FUN AT SEA

British boat builder Fairline has a longstanding reputation for excellence. The design is the yard’s first model with a beach club. Designed in collaboration with Alberto Mancini, this “large express cruiser” creates its beach club thanks to an extendable swim platform and innovative ‘wings’ that drop down to make this space even bigger.

AQUILA 70

PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN LUXURY AND INNOVATION

This breath-taking and powerful catamaran is like nothing you have ever stepped aboard. With gorgeous lines, a perfectly balanced design, and intelligent luxury, she is aesthetically pleasing from every angle. The Aquila 70 is a major design leap in the world of power catamaran design.

AQUILA 54

VARIETY OF POSSIBILITIES AND UNIQUENESS

The Aquila 54 power catamaran embodies the reliable features and construction methods of Aquila’s impressive global fleet. The A54 model has enhanced onboard luxuries with full-size refrigeration and layouts that include 3-, 4-, and 5-cabin options as well as skipper’s quarters and “galley-down” layouts. A deserving winner of the prestigious “Power Multihull of the Year 2021” award from Multicoques Magazine.

AQUILA 28

BUILT FOR ANY OCCASION, PERFECT OFFSHORE SPORT FISHING VESSEL

Inspired by native Hawaiian watercraft, the Aquila 28 Molokai Power Catamaran is born from the rigours of island hopping in the sometimes-tumultuous waters of the Pacific Ocean. Built for any occasion, versatility is her key strength. Delivering impressive stability, she is ideally suited to offshore fishing with family and friends.

BENETEAU GRAND TRAWLER 62

FLAGSHIP LUXURY CRUISER WITH 1000 NAUTICAL MILES OF AUTONOMY!

The Grand Trawler 62 is the appealing result of Beneteau’s collaboration with Massimo Gino (Nauta Design) and Amedeo Migali (MICAD). It capitalises on the highly successful Swift Trawler range of practical, spacious boats – all with a considerable cruising range – with an added luxury edge. A captivating base for enjoying life on the water.

BENETEAU GRAN TURISMO 45

THE EPITOME OF SOCIALISATION AND FUN ON BOARD

With its outstanding handling on the water, the Gran Turismo 45 guarantees that everyone will have a good time together. Large windows, an extensive sundeck and the U-shaped cockpit seating offer a great indoor-outdoor experience. Designed with versatility in mind, the Gran Turismo 45 offers unrivalled adaptability to changing conditions, all in a setting of timeless elegance and refinement.

BENETEAU OCEANIS 40.1

NEW HULL DESIGN, COMFORTABLE AND EASY TO MANOEUVRE

This 40-foot cruiser, with a new hull design by Marc Lombard, offers unrivalled deck volume and interior space, and there are no concessions to performance. True to form, the focus of the new Oceanis range is comfort and easy manoeuvrability. The Oceanis 40.1 amply demonstrates Beneteau’s resolve to be the leader and the gold standard of the cruising yacht.

BENETEAU FLYER 10

YOUR ALL TIME FAVOURITE DAY CRUISER

Explore the ocean in this extremely unique cruiser! The Flyer range sits in between the day boat and the express cruiser. This outboard powerboat combines a unique boating experience with immense comfort. Its smart walkaround concept allows fluid movement on board with safety and offers greater deck and cabin space thanks to its asymmetric single port walkway.

LAGOON SEVENTY 8

OASIS OF RELAXATION, PRIVATE SANCTUARY AT SEA

A unique elegant aesthetic and extensive space and comfort make the Lagoon SEVENTY 8 the ultimate way to explore the oceans. Designed by the great names of naval architecture, this catamaran is Lagoon’s masterpiece. With over 24 metres in length, she is an oasis of space for relaxation. The Lagoon SEVENTY 8 has a low cruising speed, with a range of 4,000 nautical miles and a twin 580 HP engine option that allows her to reach a maximum speed of 19 knots.

LAGOON 55

NEW CONCEPT OF “TERRACE AT SEA” COCKPIT

The Lagoon 55 is a modern design that can be taken and enjoyed around the world. Large windows flood her interior with natural light and a clever layout delivers two separate saloon spaces. Her all-new hull design, paired with sleek lines, delivers efficient performance levels. A big focus of designers’ VPLP was on the aft cockpit, dramatically changing the circulation and lifestyle on board.

LAGOON 46

JOIE DE VIVRE AT SEA, ICONIC LAGOON FAMILY FEEL

Boasting an elegant interior by Nauta Design, that exudes comfort and beauty, the Lagoon 46 has a warm and welcoming atmosphere that has wide appeal. With its unmatched capacity for smooth and rewarding sailing, an updated cockpit design optimises ergonomics and Lagoon’s next-generation DNA. The result is a catamaran with the essence of freedom, innovation, and luxury.

SIMPSON MARINE NETWORK

HONG KONG (HEAD OFFICE)

Hong Kong Sales Office

Shop 6, Aberdeen Marina Tower, 8 Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong

T: +852 2555 8377

F: +852 2873 4014

E: hongkong@simpsonmarine.com

Hong Kong Service Office

Po Chong Wan, Shum Wan Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong

T: +852 2555 1022

F: +852 2555 2291

E: service@simpsonmarine.com

CHINA

Shenzhen Sales Office

Level 3, Tower 1 Kerry Plaza, 1-1 Zhongxinsi Road, Futian District, Shenzhen 518048, China

T: +86 755 3304 3144

F: +86 755 3304 3322

E: shenzhen@simpsonmarine.com

Shenzhen Service Office

Shenzhen Marina Club, 11 Dameisha, Yankui Road, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518081, China

T: +86 755 8442 3043

E: service.cn@simpsonmarine.com

Sanya Sales & Service Office

Serenity Marina, Lu hui tou ban dao Luling Road, Sanya, Hainan 572000, China

T: +86 898 8859 5593

F: +86 898 8859 5592

E: sanya@simpsonmarine.com

Shanghai Sales Office

Unit 105, 21/F, 99 Xian Xia Road, Chang Ning District, Shanghai, China

T: +86 186 0166 6173

E: shanghai@simpsonmarine.com

INDONESIA

Jakarta Sales & Service Office

Jalan Pantai Mutiara TG6, Pluit, Penjaringan, Jakarta 14450, Indonesia

T: +62 21 6669 3198

F: +62 21 6669 3197

E: indonesia@simpsonmarine.com

Bali Sales Office

Bali Marina, Jalan Wisata Tirta – Pelabuhan

Benoa, Denpasar 80222, Bali, Indonesia

T: +62 361 448 4475

E: bali@simpsonmarine.com

MALAYSIA

Port Dickson Sales & Service Office

C/o Admiral Marina Club, 5th Mile, Jalan Pantai 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

T: +60 6 647 6868

F: +60 6 647 6617

E: westmalaysia@simpsonmarine.com

SINGAPORE

Singapore Sales & Service Office

31 Ocean Way, Quayside Isle,

Unit No. #01-01, Singapore 098375

T: +65 6274 3359

F: +65 6271 7323

E: singapore@simpsonmarine.com

TAIWAN

Kaohsiung Sales & Service Office

Unit 4, 11/F, 110 Sanduo 4th Road, Lingya District, Kaohsiung 802, Taiwan

T: +886 7 269 2975

F: +886 7 269 6397

E: taiwan@simpsonmarine.com

Penghu Sales Office

No.1 Xin Gang N. Street, Magong, Penghu County 880, Taiwan

T: +886 6 9263 111

E: taiwan@simpsonmarine.com

THAILAND

Phuket Sales & Service Office

Ao Po Grand Marina, Unit 199/112, Moo 6, T. Paklok, A. Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand

T: +66 76 317 305

F: +66 76 317 306

E: thailand@simpsonmarine.com

Gulf of Thailand / Pattaya Sales Office

Ocean Marina, 167/3 Moo 4 Sukhumvit Road, Km 157, Na Jomtien, Sattahip, Chonburi 20250, Thailand

T: +66 38 238 382

E: pattaya@simpsonmarine.com